What is associative learning?

Associative learning is a type of learning that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together, so that the response to one stimulus is transferred to the other. Classical conditioning, discovered by Ivan Pavlov (1849–1936) at the end of the 19th century, is the oldest and best-known form of associative learning. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is paired with a meaningful one. For instance, Pavlov paired the sound of a bell (the neutral stimulus) with the presentation of food (the meaningful stimulus), and observed that dogs eventually started salivating in response to the sound of the bell alone.

The two important concepts in classical conditioning are:

- Stimulus: Any event that evokes a response in the organism.

- Response: An observable reflex or voluntary behavior that an organism displays.

Components of Classical Conditioning:

1. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A naturally occurring stimulus that, without prior learning, elicits an automatic (reflexive) unconditioned response (UR) from an organism. For example, food naturally triggers salivation.

2. Unconditioned Response (UR): The unlearned reflexive or automatic response to an unconditioned stimulus. In Pavlov’s experiment, salivation at the sight of food was the UR.

3. Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus during the learning process, eventually triggers a conditioned response. In Pavlov’s experiment, the sound of the bell became the CS.

4. Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response that occurs after the previously neutral stimulus (now called a conditioned stimulus) has been repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus. In Pavlov’s experiment, the dogs’ salivation at the sound of the bell (previously neutral stimulus, now CS) was the conditioned response.

By repeatedly associating the two stimuli, associative learning establishes a connection between them. The result of associative learning is the conditioned response—an automatic and predictable reaction to a novel situation or event.

Associative learning is critical in explaining many real-world behaviors, including phobias, addictions, and our expectations about the environment.