can someone please explain the theoretical concept classical conditioning?

Answer 1

classical conditioning is based on the idea that there was Unconditioned Stimuli (e.g. meat powder) that elicit Unconditioned Responses in species (e.g. salivation). in classical conditioning, you can theoretically train a species to have an Unconditioned Response (e.g. salivation) to a COnditioned Stimuli (i.e. something that wouldn't normally elicit such a response). In Pavlov's experiments, he paired the appearance of meat powder (Unconditioned Stimuli) with the sound of a bell (Conditioned Stimuli), the key to classical conditioning is that the bell must sound BEFORE the appearance of the meat powder. Eventually, the dogs in his experiment, knew that everytime they heard the bell, meat powder will appear shortly, and displayed the Unconditioned Responde (salivation).

There have been consequent experiments showing that classical conditioning is species specific, meaning there has to be a natural connection in dogs that would cause them to salivate at the smell/sight of meat powder, otherwise, classical conditioning wouldn't work.

Answer 2

Classical conditioning is reflexive conditioning. It is most widely know as Pavlovian conditioning becasue Pavlov rang a bell, fed dogs, and the dogs eventually started salivating at the sound of the bell.