Edward C. Tolman

1886 - 1959
American Psychologist

Educational Theories: Behaviorism and Cognitivism

Theory: Tolman wanted to use behavioral methods to gain a better understanding of the mental processes of humans and other animals. He wanted to show that animals could learn things about the world and use those findings later on, instead of reacting in a learned way to stimulations. He completed his tests through the use of rats and mazes, and studying how they performed within the maze when they were hungry and not hungry. His conclusions were:

In later years he set the ground work for cognitivism through his papers. He also introduced the idea of a cognitive map, which has found its way into almost all areas of psychology.

Summary: Tolman, through his studies in behaviorism, found that animals could store knowledge away for later use instead of just learning an automated response to a situation. He also laid the foundation for Congitive theory and introduced the idea of a cognitive map that is still used to this day.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Chace_Tolman
http://www.a2zpsychology.com/great_psychologists/edward_c_tolman.htm

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