What term describes the training of a reflexive response to an unrelated stimulus?

The term that describes the training of a reflexive response to an unrelated stimulus is classical conditioning. This process involves associating a neutral stimulus with a response that is naturally elicited by a different stimulus. A famous example is Ivan Pavlov's experiment, where dogs were conditioned to salivate upon hearing a bell after it had been repeatedly paired with the presentation of food.

In classical conditioning, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, capable of eliciting a conditioned response, even in the absence of the original unconditioned stimulus. This foundational concept is crucial in understanding how behaviors are learned and can be applied in various settings, including early childhood education, where it can help in shaping desired behaviors and responses in children.

The other terms are distinct concepts. Operant conditioning refers to learning through consequences, where behaviors are reinforced or punished. Behavior modification is a broader term that encompasses various techniques to change behavior, often integrating both operant and classical conditioning principles. Cognitive dissonance describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or attitudes, which is unrelated to the training of reflexive responses.