Classical conditioning, sometimes also known as Pavlov conditioning, respondent conditioning or Pavlovian reinforcement is an behaviorist associate learning theory first introduced in 1927 by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov.

Classical conditioning is based on the famous Pavlov's dogs experiment. In this experiment, Pavlov, with means of reinforcement, thought his dogs to respond to the sound of the bell (conditioned stimulus, CS) by salivating (in this case both conditioned and unconditioned response, CS, UCS), which is the same way they would respond to food (unconditioned stimulus, US). A brief description of the experiment can be hound here.

The learning process here consists of associating an environmental stimulus to a naturally occurring stimulus. Successful learning manifested in a natural reflex reaction on an associated environmental stimulus. This defines the classical conditioning.

The Little Albert experiment is another famous experiment of classical conditioning performed by John Watson, founder of behaviorism.

Basic behaviorist principles can also be recognized in this experiments: they approach learning as to a visible change in behavior formed by external stimuli, and even in case of performing an experiment on a human subject, they ignore learners mind processes.

Even apart from classical conditioning techniques that help people or professionals train their pets, in reality there are many real-world applications for classical conditioning. These applications often include the treatment of phobias or anxiety problems in educational process.

Teachers are able to apply classical conditioning in the class by creating a positive classroom environment to help students overcome anxiety or fear. Pairing an anxiety-provoking situation, such as performing in front of a group, with pleasant surroundings helps the student learn new associations. Instead of feeling anxious and tense in these situations, the student will learn to stay relaxed and calm.

• Classical conditioning, Pavlov conditioning, respondent conditioning, Pavlovian reinforcement, Pavlov's dogs, little Albert, conditioned stimulus, conditioned response, unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response
• Ivan Pavlov, John Watson

"Classical Conditioning - Introduction to Classical Conditioning.".

Pavlov, I. P., Conditioned reflexes: An investigation of the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex, 1927.