What does latent learning describe?

Latent learning refers to knowledge that is acquired without immediate reinforcement or observable behavior. It occurs when an individual learns something but does not immediately demonstrate that learning until a later time when there is an incentive to do so. This concept illustrates that individuals can learn and retain information without showing it through immediate actions.

In the context of the question, the manifestation of previously unseen behavior captures the essence of latent learning. An example could be a rat navigating a maze without any rewards initially, and later, when a reward is introduced, the rat demonstrates knowledge of the maze that had been acquired previously but was not exhibited until that moment.

Understanding latent learning helps to clarify that not all learning necessarily leads to an immediate change in behavior, supporting the idea that cognitive processes play a significant role in learning beyond direct reinforcement or immediate application. This insight is vital in psychology, especially in understanding behavioral changes in various contexts.