Classical Conditioning

Definition

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which an association is made between a previously neutral stimulus and a stimulus that naturally evokes a response.

Theoretical Perspectives

Classical conditioning is rooted in behaviorism, which views psychological phenomena through observable behaviors and disregards internal mental states. It emphasizes the association between stimuli and automatic responses.

Study And Research Findings

Pavlov's experiments with dogs are seminal to classical conditioning, demonstrating how a neutral stimulus (bell) paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) leads to a conditioned response (salivation).

Related terms

Unconditioned Stimulus:

This is something that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any learning. For example, food to a hungry animal.

Conditioned Stimulus:

This is previously neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly associated with the unconditioned stimulus, gets to trigger a conditioned response. In our analogy, this would be the favorite song.

Conditioned Response:

This is the learned reaction to the conditioned stimulus. In our analogy, feeling happy when hearing your favorite song.