Which animal training method focuses on associating a neutral stimulus with a positive reinforcement?

The method that focuses on associating a neutral stimulus with a positive reinforcement is classical conditioning. This form of learning involves creating an association between an involuntary response and a stimulus. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus is presented together with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits a natural response. Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, capable of triggering a similar response on its own.

For instance, in Pavlov's famous experiments, he used a bell as the neutral stimulus and food as the unconditioned stimulus. After multiple pairings where the bell was rung before presenting food, dogs learned to salivate in response to the bell alone, demonstrating how a neutral stimulus can be transformed into a conditioned stimulus through positive reinforcement.

This differs from operant conditioning, which relies more on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow those behaviors, whether rewards or punishments. Instinctive training focuses on training based on innate behaviors, while imitative learning involves learning by observing and mimicking others. Therefore, the concept of classical conditioning is specifically centered around the association of a neutral stimulus and a naturally occurring positive reinforcement, solidifying its significance in animal training.