What is classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning is defined as a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus. This form of learning was famously demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov with his experiments with dogs, where he paired a neutral stimulus (a bell) with an unconditioned stimulus (food) that naturally triggered a response (salivation). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone became sufficient to evoke the same response, illustrating how a conditioned response can be established through association.

In this process, the key concept is that an individual learns to associate a previously neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that produces an automatic, unlearned response. This does not involve punishment or reinforcement of behaviors, which are concepts associated with operant conditioning, nor does it directly pertain to cognitive therapies, which focus on changing thought patterns. Therefore, understanding classical conditioning involves recognizing the significance of environmental stimuli and their relationship to innate behavioral responses.