What is the process of classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning is fundamentally about learning through association between two stimuli. This learning process involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally elicits a response. Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, capable of eliciting a similar response on its own.

For example, if a bell (neutral stimulus) is rung every time food (unconditioned stimulus) is presented to a dog, the dog eventually learns to associate the sound of the bell with the imminent arrival of food. As a result, the dog will begin to salivate (conditioned response) at the sound of the bell alone, even in the absence of food.

This process highlights the key aspects of classical conditioning: the learned association between two stimuli and the resultant conditioned response. It distinguishes itself from other learning processes that focus on different mechanisms, such as observation, reinforcement, or cognitive comprehension.