What term is used to describe the basic form of learning where associations are made between stimuli?

The term that describes the basic form of learning where associations are made between stimuli is classical conditioning. This learning process involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a conditioned response. A classic example of this is Pavlov's experiment with dogs, where the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) was paired with food (unconditioned stimulus) to elicit salivation (conditioned response) even when the food was not presented.

Classical conditioning is fundamental in understanding how animals, including dogs, learn to associate specific cues with particular outcomes, which can be utilized in training techniques. The other concepts mentioned, such as operant conditioning, modeling, and observational learning, involve different mechanisms of learning and do not directly pertain to the association of stimuli in the same manner as classical conditioning does.