latent learning

latent learning

latent learning The formation of associations that appear to bring the animal neither reward nor punishment (although novel experiences may themselves constitute a reward). There is a delay between exposure to the learning situation and the performance of a behaviour pattern that demonstrates the effect of learning. For example, rats will explore a maze without apparent reward or punishment and will remember the information they obtain; later, when rewards are presented, those rats will perform better at finding their way through the maze than rats with no exploratory experience.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-latentlearning.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-latentlearning.html

Learn more about citation styles

latent learning

latent learning The formation of associations that appear to bring the animal neither reward nor punishment (although novel experiences may themselves constitute a reward). There is a delay between exposure to the learning situation and the performance of a behaviour pattern that demonstrates the effect of learning. For example, rats will explore a maze without apparent reward or punishment and will remember the information they obtain; later, when rewards are presented, those rats will perform better at finding their way through the maze than rats with no exploratory experience.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-latentlearning.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "latent learning." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-latentlearning.html

Learn more about citation styles

latent learning

latent learning A form of learning in which there is apparently no immediate reward for the animal, and what is learnt remains `latent'. The prime example is an animal exploring its surroundings. Learning about the geography of its home area may bring an animal no immediate benefits, but can prove vital in the future when fleeing a predator or searching for food. Many insects learn the details of landmarks near their nest by making orientation flights. This process enables them to locate the nest when returning from distant sites.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"latent learning." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"latent learning." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-latentlearning.html

"latent learning." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-latentlearning.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

The role of latent inhibition in acquired predator recognition by fathead...
Magazine article from: Canadian Journal of Zoology; 4/1/2006
Learning about learning: from theories to trends.
Magazine article from: Teacher Librarian; 12/1/2006
Journal abstracts: effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii...
Magazine article from: Life Extension; 6/1/2010

Pictures from Google Image Search

Click to see an enlarged picture
Click to see an enlarged picture
Click to see an enlarged picture

See more pictures of latent learning