A Theory of Cognitive Maps (1948, Tolman)

In 1948, psychologist Edward Tolman introduced the concept of cognitive maps, which are mental representations of our environment. He proposed that rather than merely responding to stimuli, organisms, including humans, create internal maps to navigate spaces and understand relationships between different locations. These maps help people learn and remember routes, make decisions, and solve problems based on their knowledge of the environment. Essentially, cognitive maps enable us to visualize and plan our movements, going beyond just direct experiences to incorporate past knowledge and future possibilities.