Edward Tolman

Edward Tolman was an American psychologist known for his work in cognitive psychology and learning theory. He introduced the concept of "cognitive maps," which refers to the mental representations individuals create to navigate their environment. Tolman argued that learning isn't just about forming habits through rewards and punishments; it also involves understanding and interpreting one's surroundings. His research, particularly with rats in mazes, showed that animals could learn without immediate rewards, thus emphasizing the role of intention and cognitive processes in learning. Tolman's insights have significantly influenced how we understand behavior and motivation.