Meaning & use
classical conditioning
A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful one, eventually triggering the same response.
See it in a sentence
Pavlov's dogs demonstrated classical conditioning when they began salivating at the sound of a bell.
Advertisers sometimes rely on classical conditioning by pairing products with pleasant music or images.
A note on using this word
Classical conditioning differs from operant conditioning, which shapes behavior through rewards and punishments rather than association.
Words with a similar meaning
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