Conditioning is a learning process where behaviors are modified through rewards or punishments. For example, in classical conditioning, a dog learns to associate the sound of a bell with food, leading it to salivate when it hears the bell, even without food present. This type of learning shows how our brains can connect different stimuli.
Another form is operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by consequences. If a child receives praise for doing homework, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. This method highlights how positive reinforcement can encourage good habits, while negative consequences can discourage unwanted actions.