Essential Reading
Read Section 4.1 from Dr. Lee Daffin’s open textbook Principles of Learning and Behavior. This is an excellent, free resource that introduces the concept of Respondent Conditioning (Classical Conditioning) — a foundational behavioral process first described by Ivan Pavlov.
Essential Video
Watch the first 3 minutes and 30 seconds of this video from Steven Barnes for a clear explanation of classical (respondent) conditioning:
The remainder of the video is optional but recommended if you want deeper insights into respondent conditioning in practice.
Optional Video
This short video illustrates how respondent (Pavlovian) conditioning is used in advertising. If you think classical conditioning is just for dogs — think again!
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. This will help reinforce your understanding of respondent conditioning through guided questions.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, video(s), and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words (about 5–7 sentences minimum)
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
You’ll receive an email copy of your reflection to aid your RBT exam preparation.
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What is respondent conditioning? What are unconditioned and conditioned stimuli?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain classical conditioning to a friend or client?
- Importance and Connections: Why is respondent conditioning important for understanding behavior?
- Practical Applications: Where might respondent conditioning show up in everyday life or work with clients?
- Insights: Did anything in the reading, videos, or FRED conversation challenge or surprise you?
Example Reflection:
Before this lesson, I thought of conditioning just as training dogs, but now I understand that it applies to human behavior too. I learned that an unconditioned stimulus causes an automatic response, but when it’s paired with something neutral, that neutral thing can start causing the same response. I see now how fears and phobias can develop, or even how advertisements can make us feel happy about a product. The video helped me visualize it, and FRED gave me some examples I hadn’t thought of. I can definitely use this understanding when supporting clients who might have strong emotional reactions to certain places or sounds.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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