Describe the theory of Classical Conditioning

The classical conditioning theory was proposed by Ivan
Pavlov in the early part of the 20th century.

The gist of
the theory is that behavior can be learned by instinct with the application of a
positive stimulus. This stimulus is only provided when the behavior is desired.
Therefore, the behavior will be produced each time the stimulus is
present.

However, there are some variables that must be
taken into consideration when applying a stimulus to entice behavior. First, is the
duration of the exposure to the stimulus. It has to be done at the appropriate times to
ensure that the proper combination of factors.

Once the
connection between the stimulus is made, the behavior is more likely to occur. Behavior
will likely persist if a conditioned behavior continues to be stimulated. However, if it
is not, it may become extinct. Similarly, the theory states that there are rare times
when conditioned responses that went into extinction suddenly relapse. This is known as
"spontaneous recovery".

Finally, another manifestation of
classical conditioning can be that the individual performing the behavior may connect
all things related to the stimulus. This is called "generalization": When one reacts the
same way to things connected to a specific stimulus. An example of this would be getting
either attached to, or scare of, something that reminds us of a stimulus that caused a
behavior.

The main difference between classical and operant
conditioning is that the latter involves the compensation or punishment of a behavior
for it to persist or desist. Contrastingly, classical conditioning is a connection
between stimuli and behavior that would ensure that it occurs each time the stimulus is
present.