Classical conditioning is generally considered to be an implicit form of learning. This type of conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a learned response.
In classical conditioning, the learner is often unaware of the process of learning taking place. For example, consider Pavlov’s famous experiments with dogs, where a bell was rung just before food was presented. The dogs did not consciously decide to salivate; instead, they learned to associate the sound of the bell with the arrival of food through repeated pairings. This automatic response illustrates how classical conditioning operates below the level of conscious awareness, making it an implicit learning process.
In contrast, explicit learning involves conscious awareness and intentional efforts to learn. An example of explicit learning would be studying for a test or memorizing a list of vocabulary words. Therefore, since classical conditioning typically occurs without conscious thought, it is best categorized as implicit learning.