Which process involves linking a neutral stimulus with a meaningful one to elicit a conditioned response?

• A. Classical conditioning
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Respondent behavior
• D. Observational learning

Answer: (A)

Pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned (meaningful) stimulus to produce a conditioned response is classical conditioning. In this process, the neutral stimulus becomes associated with the unconditioned stimulus through repeated pairings, so eventually the neutral stimulus alone triggers the learned response. A classic example is Pavlov’s dogs, where the bell (neutral) was paired with food (unconditioned stimulus) until the bell alone elicited salivation (conditioned response). Operant conditioning, by contrast, involves learning through consequences that shape voluntary behavior. Respondent behavior refers to automatic, reflexive responses, and observational learning is about acquiring new behaviors by watching others. The described pairing and elicited response fit classical conditioning.