Final answer:
The term for a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience is learning, which can be displayed through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive learning. This includes stimulus generalization, where a conditioned response applies to similar stimuli, and stimulus discrimination, where different responses are elicited by different stimuli.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs because of experience is known as learning. This concept can be demonstrated through various methods such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.
For example, in Watson and Rayner's experiments, Little Albert developed a conditioned response to fear a white rat due to paired experiences (a loud noise with the presence of the rat). This fear then generalized to other similar stimuli, which is called stimulus generalization. This demonstrates how associations between stimuli and experiences can lead to learning.
Another example would be a cat demonstrating classical conditioning when it changes its behavior to hide in response to specific stimuli. In this scenario, the cat has associated a particular sound or event with an outcome, such as the presence of a predator or the opening of a can that signifies feeding time.
Lastly, cognitive learning occurs when an animal learns a behavior by associating a stimulus with a behavior. For example, an animal might associate a certain behavior, like pressing a lever, with receiving a reward.