There are three main types of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. Instincts and reflexes are innate behaviors—they occur naturally and do not involve learning.

Both classical and operant conditioning are forms of associative learning where associations are made between events that occur together. His experiments explored the type of associative learning we now call classical conditioning.

learning — change in behavior or knowledge that is the result of experience. instinct — unlearned knowledge, involving complex patterns of behavior; instincts are thought to be more prevalent in lower animals than in humans. operant conditioning — form of learning in which the stimulus/experience happens after the behavior is demonstrated. associative learning — form of learning that involves connecting certain stimuli or events that occur together in the environment (classical and operant conditioning).