What learning theory is characterized by learning through the association of stimuli?

Classical conditioning is the learning theory that is characterized by the association of stimuli. This theory was famously demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov through his experiments with dogs. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally elicits a response. Over time, the neutral stimulus can elicit a similar response on its own, now referred to as a conditioned response.

For instance, in Pavlov's experiments, he paired the sound of a bell (the neutral stimulus) with the presentation of food (the unconditioned stimulus) that elicited salivation (the unconditioned response) from the dogs. After several pairings, the dogs began to salivate just at the sound of the bell, demonstrating that they learned to associate the two stimuli.

This associative learning process is distinct from other learning theories, such as operant conditioning, which focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences, observational learning, which involves learning by observing others, and cognitive learning, which emphasizes the role of mental processes in acquiring knowledge.