Summary
Pavlov showed that dogs learn to associate a neutral signal with food and respond to the signal alone.
In depth
A conditioned stimulus paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) becomes able to trigger a conditioned response (salivation). Extinction occurs if the pairing stops.
Learning occurs when the conditioned stimulus reliably predicts the unconditioned one, not merely when they occur together. Timing matters: the signal should come just before the reward. Spontaneous recovery may occur after extinction.
Example: fear of a dentist's drill sound arises from pairing with pain.
Frequently asked questions
What is Classical Conditioning?
Pavlov showed that dogs learn to associate a neutral signal with food and respond to the signal alone.
Which area of biology covers Classical Conditioning, and how advanced is it?
Classical Conditioning is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Instinct, Imprinting, Operant Conditioning.
Can you give an example of Classical Conditioning?
People may feel hungry when hearing a dinner bell.
What should I learn before Classical Conditioning?
Classical Conditioning is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour that pair well with it include Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour.
What topics are related to Classical Conditioning?
The closest topics to Classical Conditioning are Instinct, Imprinting, Operant Conditioning, Habituation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Classical Conditioning?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Classical Conditioning. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Classical Conditioning different from Instinct?
Classical Conditioning: Pavlov showed that dogs learn to associate a neutral signal with food and respond to the signal alone. Instinct: An inborn pattern of behaviour triggered by a particular stimulus. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Classical Conditioning step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Instinct and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.