Kondícionálás

Kondícionálás refers to a fundamental learning process where associations are formed between stimuli or behaviors and their consequences. In psychology, the term is most commonly associated with two main types of conditioning: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, both extensively studied by figures like Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner, respectively.

Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning, involves learning through association. It occurs when a neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally elicits a response. Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, capable of eliciting a conditioned response on its own. For instance, Pavlov's famous experiment demonstrated how dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (conditioned stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus), eventually salivating (conditioned response) at the sound of the bell alone.

Operant conditioning, conversely, focuses on learning through consequences. Behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on whether they are followed by reinforcement or punishment. Reinforcement, such as rewards, increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring, while punishment, such as unpleasant consequences, decreases it. This type of conditioning explains how individuals learn to perform actions that lead to desirable outcomes and avoid those that result in negative ones, playing a significant role in habit formation and skill acquisition. Both forms of conditioning are crucial for understanding how organisms adapt to their environments and learn new behaviors.