What characterizes classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning is characterized by learning that occurs through association. This type of learning was famously demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov, who showed how dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell when the sound was repeatedly paired with the presentation of food. In this process, a neutral stimulus (the bell) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (the food) that naturally elicits a response (salivation). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone can trigger the conditioned response, demonstrating how new behaviors or responses can be learned through associations made between stimuli.

The other options describe different types of learning. Learning through rewards and punishments pertains to operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped by consequences. Learning through observation and imitation is linked to social learning theory, which emphasizes learning through watching and modeling the behaviors of others. Learning through genetics refers to the inheritance of traits and behaviors, rather than acquired learning through experience. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of classical conditioning.