What does the learning-performance distinction refer to?

The learning-performance distinction refers to the concept that the ability to learn a behavior does not necessarily equate to the immediate performance of that behavior. This distinction highlights that learning is an internal process that can occur even in the absence of external demonstration or execution. For example, an individual may acquire knowledge or skills through observation or study but may not demonstrate that knowledge or skill until a later time or under different circumstances. Therefore, the right answer indicates that learning a behavior and the actual performance of that behavior are separate processes, underscoring the importance of understanding that knowledge can exist without observable action. This distinction is crucial in fields such as education and psychology, where assessing true understanding or capability may require more than just observing immediate performance.