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Maps in Y our Mind: Edward C. Tolman and the Cognitive Map. Jack Bermingham. Background. Conceived By Edward C. Tolman of UC Berkeley in 1948 Cognition was regarded as an unscientific study. Experimental Method. Rats released into a simple “maze” structure
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Maps in Your Mind:Edward C. Tolman and the Cognitive Map Jack Bermingham
Background • Conceived By Edward C. Tolman of UC Berkeley in 1948 • Cognition was regarded as an unscientific study
Experimental Method • Rats released into a simple “maze” structure • Three groups of rats, based on rewards: • Control Group: food after the maze • Delayed Group: food after the maze starting on day 11 • No Reward Group: no food • Maze structure switched –Location of food stayed the same
Findings • No Reward Group and Delay group learned the maze more slowly • Delay Group quickly caught up to Control group once food was introduced • Majority of rats in new maze moved toward the location of the food in the previous maze.. Not in the direction that the previous maze led them!
Historical Significance • Tolman is considered the founder of cognitive-behavioral psychology • Initiated shift towards scientific investigation of cognitive process –as opposed to simply studying reactions to stimuli.