This infused the cognitive aspect into the behavioral conceptualizations of learning. Tolman observed that organisms learned by formulating cognitions. Tinklepaugh was a monkey that usually received a banana under an overturned cup when he picked the right cup and when he found that it was lettuce that had been switched by the researcher he demonstrated somewhat of a tempertantrum. Although, not a human, we can observe that this monkey had composed a cognitive map that instructed him that he would find a banana if he were to guess the right cup and was upset when the reward did not result in his preconceived notion. Humans at all ages of learning experience cognitive learning, however, adults are able to experience a heightened and insightful level of cognitive learning.
Humans are quite aware of their environment and tend to behave as though they are responding to it.
We tend to be motivated by subconscious or conscious social rewards or punishments. Skinner interpreted human behavior as reacting to one's environment, but not reacting instinctually. This is all based on he needs we experience as humans. We have primary needs such as food and water and we are driven to fulfill these needs. The top of this hierarchy is marked with the attainment of self-actualization in which an individual becomes so highly fulfilled that she or he has met the needs of a human being's potential.