According to classical conditioning, what is a reaction that results from learning called?

In the context of classical conditioning, a reaction that results from learning is referred to as a conditioned response. This concept is fundamental to classical conditioning, a learning process first described by Ivan Pavlov. In this process, an initially neutral stimulus (the conditioned stimulus) comes to elicit a response after being paired repeatedly with an unconditioned stimulus, which naturally elicits an unconditioned response.

For instance, in Pavlov's experiments, the sound of a bell (conditioned stimulus) was repeatedly paired with the presentation of food (unconditioned stimulus) to dogs. Over time, the dogs began to salivate (conditioned response) merely at the sound of the bell, even in the absence of food. This learned response illustrates how an association is formed through experience.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it differentiates between responses that are instinctual (unconditioned responses) and those that are developed through association and learning processes.