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Edward C. Tolman is best-known for his influence on cognitive behaviorism, his research on cognitive maps, the theory of latent learning and the concept of an intervening variable. Tolman was born on April 14, 1886, and died on November 19, 1959. Keep reading to learn more about Tolman’s important contributions to the field of psychology.
What Is Cognitive Behaviorism?
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is a common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy) in which pateients work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, typically for a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
CBT can be a very helpful tool in treating mental health disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an eating disorder.But not everyone who benefits from CBT has a mental health condition. It can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations.
Early Life of Edward C. Tolman
Tolman’s Career and Contributions to Psychology
Tolman is perhaps best-known for his work with rats and mazes where he challenged the behaviorist notion that all behavior and learning is a result of the basic stimulus-response pattern.
In a classic experiment, rats practiced a maze for several days. Then, the familiar path they normally took was blocked. According to the behaviorist view, the rats had simply formed associations about which behaviors were reinforced and which were not. Instead, Tolman discovered that the rats had formed a mental map of the maze, allowing them to choose a novel path to lead them to the reward.
His theory of latent learning suggests that learning occurs even if noreinforcementis offered.Latent learningis not necessarily apparent at the time, but that appears later in situations where it is needed.
Tolman’s concepts of latent learning and cognitive maps helped pave the way for the rise ofcognitive psychology.
Tolman’s Awards and Distinctions
2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Linardon J, Wade TD, de la Piedad Garcia X, Brennan L.The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.2017;85(11):1080–1094. doi:10.1037/ccp0000245American Psychological Association.APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions: Past recipients.Additional ReadingHogan JD, Frishberg N.Edward C. Tolman: Eminent learning theorist and outspoken supporter of academic freedom.The General Psychologist.Published April 2015.Ritchie, B.F.Edward Chase Tolman: 1886-1959. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Sciences; 1964.Tolman EC.Cognitive maps in rats and men.The Psychological Review. 1948;55(4):189-208. doi:10.1037/h0061626
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Linardon J, Wade TD, de la Piedad Garcia X, Brennan L.The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.2017;85(11):1080–1094. doi:10.1037/ccp0000245American Psychological Association.APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions: Past recipients.Additional ReadingHogan JD, Frishberg N.Edward C. Tolman: Eminent learning theorist and outspoken supporter of academic freedom.The General Psychologist.Published April 2015.Ritchie, B.F.Edward Chase Tolman: 1886-1959. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Sciences; 1964.Tolman EC.Cognitive maps in rats and men.The Psychological Review. 1948;55(4):189-208. doi:10.1037/h0061626
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Linardon J, Wade TD, de la Piedad Garcia X, Brennan L.The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.2017;85(11):1080–1094. doi:10.1037/ccp0000245American Psychological Association.APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions: Past recipients.
Linardon J, Wade TD, de la Piedad Garcia X, Brennan L.The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.2017;85(11):1080–1094. doi:10.1037/ccp0000245
American Psychological Association.APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions: Past recipients.
Hogan JD, Frishberg N.Edward C. Tolman: Eminent learning theorist and outspoken supporter of academic freedom.The General Psychologist.Published April 2015.Ritchie, B.F.Edward Chase Tolman: 1886-1959. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Sciences; 1964.Tolman EC.Cognitive maps in rats and men.The Psychological Review. 1948;55(4):189-208. doi:10.1037/h0061626
Hogan JD, Frishberg N.Edward C. Tolman: Eminent learning theorist and outspoken supporter of academic freedom.The General Psychologist.Published April 2015.
Ritchie, B.F.Edward Chase Tolman: 1886-1959. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Sciences; 1964.
Tolman EC.Cognitive maps in rats and men.The Psychological Review. 1948;55(4):189-208. doi:10.1037/h0061626
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