latent learning A form of learning in which there is apparently no immediate reward for the animal, and what is learnt remains `latent'. The prime example is an animal exploring its surroundings. Learning about the geography of its home area may bring an animal no immediate benefits, but can prove vital in the future when fleeing a predator or searching for food. Many insects learn the details of landmarks near their nest by making orientation flights. This process enables them to locate the nest when returning from distant sites.

latent learning The formation of associations that appear to bring the animal neither reward nor punishment (although novel experiences may themselves constitute a reward). There is a delay between exposure to the learning situation and the performance of a behaviour pattern that demonstrates the effect of learning. For example, rats will explore a maze without apparent reward or punishment and will remember the information they obtain; later, when rewards are presented, those rats will perform better at finding their way through the maze than rats with no exploratory experience.

latent learning The formation of associations that appear to bring the animal neither reward nor punishment (although novel experiences may themselves constitute a reward). There is a delay between exposure to the learning situation and the performance of a behaviour pattern that demonstrates the effect of learning. For example, rats will explore a maze without apparent reward or punishment and will remember the information they obtain; later, when rewards are presented, those rats will perform better at finding their way through the maze than rats with no exploratory experience.