What type of conditioning associates a neutral stimulus with a natural response?

Classical conditioning is the process that associates a neutral stimulus with a natural response, a concept famously illustrated through the work of Ivan Pavlov. In his experiments, Pavlov demonstrated that by repeatedly pairing a neutral stimulus, such as the sound of a bell, with an unconditioned stimulus, such as food, the neutral stimulus could eventually elicit a conditioned response—in this case, salivation—even when presented alone.

This learning process involves the formation of associations where the previously neutral stimulus becomes capable of triggering a response that is typically produced by the unconditioned stimulus. This foundational principle of classical conditioning underpins various learning and behavior patterns in both animals and humans, showcasing how associations affect responses to stimuli in the environment.