Definition: A process of learning or changing behavior in which a neutral environmental stimulus (conditioned stimulus) is presented repeatedly along with an unconditioned stimulus that causes a natural (unconditioned) response. This forms an association (conditioned response) between the natural response and the neutral stimulus.
In his well-known experiment, Pavlov conditioned dogs to salivate in response to a bell by ringing the bell with food present and later removing the food while ringing the bell alone.
Classical conditioning is used as a method in behavioral therapy.
Also Known As: Pavlovian conditioning
Examples: With panic disorder, a person may come to fear an environmental stimulus (like driving) because he or she has had a panic attack while exposed to that stimulus. The person begins to associate driving with panic attacks, even though the driving itself did not cause the panic attack.
