Meaning & use
classical conditioning
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Meaning
noununcountabletechnical
A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes linked to a meaningful one and triggers the same response.
Grammar: Used as a singular noun; no plural form.
Patterns
- classical conditioning of something
- through classical conditioning
Pavlov's experiments with dogs are a famous example of classical conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a bell can become a signal for food.
The therapist explained how classical conditioning can create phobias.
Common combinations
- Pavlovian conditioning
- Pavlovian conditioning is another name for classical conditioning.
- a form of classical conditioning
- Fear of dentists can be a form of classical conditioning.
- classical conditioning experiment
- The classical conditioning experiment showed that learning can be automatic.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Pavlovian conditioning
- A synonym that emphasizes the role of Pavlov's work.
- respondent conditioning
- A more technical term used in psychology.
Opposites
Word family
- classically conditioned adjective
- Describing a response learned through classical conditioning.
Commonly confused: classical conditioning or operant conditioning?
classical conditioning vs operant conditioning
Operant conditioning shapes behavior through rewards and punishments, while classical conditioning links two stimuli.
Practice
Which scenario best illustrates classical conditioning?
Choose one answer.
Classical conditioning involves associating a neutral stimulus (bell) with a meaningful one (food) to produce a response (salivation). The other options involve rewards or punishments, which are operant conditioning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “classical conditioning”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.