What is the process of Classical Conditioning?

Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a conditioned response. In this process, an initially neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus that already evokes an emotional response. For example, if a bell (neutral stimulus) is rung whenever food (unconditioned stimulus) is presented to a dog, the dog eventually learns to associate the bell with food. As a result, the sound of the bell alone can trigger a response (salivation) even when food is not presented.

This concept is rooted in the work of Ivan Pavlov, who famously demonstrated this phenomenon with his experiments on dogs. By understanding that pairing stimuli leads to new learned responses, we can appreciate how classical conditioning helps shape behaviors and emotional responses in various contexts.

Other options reflect different psychological concepts—operant conditioning relates to the strengthening of behaviors through rewards, social learning involves attitude changes through interactions, and cognitive dissonance focuses on behavior alteration through internal conflict—none of which accurately describe classical conditioning.