Which of the following is a characteristic of classical conditioning?

In classical conditioning, a key characteristic is the pairing of a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus. This process leads to the neutral stimulus eventually eliciting a conditioned response on its own. For example, in Pavlov's experiments, the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) was paired with the presentation of food (unconditioned stimulus), resulting in dogs learning to salivate at the sound of the bell alone (conditioned response). This fundamental principle illustrates how associations are formed between stimuli, which is central to the concept of classical conditioning.

The other options involve concepts that are not specific to classical conditioning. The emphasis on rewards and punishments is more aligned with operant conditioning, where behavior is modified through reinforcement or punishment. Similarly, reinforcement of behavior is a hallmark of operant conditioning rather than classical conditioning. Lastly, relying on cognitive strategies pertains more to cognitive approaches to learning, rather than the straightforward associative learning principle that defines classical conditioning.