Associative learning is a fundamental process in which an individual learns to connect two or more stimuli or events. This type of learning often occurs through experiences, where a specific response becomes associated with a particular stimulus. For example, in classical conditioning, a dog learns to salivate at the sound of a bell if it has been repeatedly paired with food. Another form of associative learning is operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified based on their consequences. In this case, an individual learns to associate a behavior with a reward or punishment, influencing future actions. Both types of associative learning play crucial roles in shaping behavior and understanding the environment.