Classical conditioning is a learning procedure that happens through associations between a naturally occurring stimulus and an environmental stimulus. It was discovered by Ivan Pavlov who was a Russian physiologist. Classical conditioning is based on behaviorism which states that learning happens through interactions with the environment. Classical conditioning is used to decrease or increase a behavior. This theory occurs by placing a neutral signal before a naturally occurring reflex. Additionally, classical conditioning focuses on involuntary, automatic behaviors. The most effective way for classical conditioning to be successful is if the signal comes a half second before the reflex.
The dictionary states that classical conditioning is “a process of behavior modification by which a subject comes to respond in a desired manner to a previously neutral stimulus that has been repeatedly presented along with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits the desired response”
Ivan Pavlov conducted an experiment using classical conditioning with dogs. In this experiment he used the sound of a tone as the neutral signal and the dogs salivating when he presented with food as the naturally occurring reflex. The conclusion of his experiment was the dogs would salivate at the sound of the tone because they knew they would be getting food right after the sound of the tone.
The key concepts associated with classical conditioning are the unconditioned stimulus, the unconditioned response, the conditioned stimulus, and the conditioned response. The unconditioned stimulus is a naturally occurring stimulus that automatically activates a response. The unconditioned response is the unlearned response that happens naturally in response to the unconditioned stimulus. The conditioned response is a previously neutral stimulus and after it becomes associated with the unconditioned stimulus