What is the most basic form of learning that does not require higher intellectual processes?

The most basic form of learning that does not require higher intellectual processes is conditioning. Conditioning refers to a type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli or behaviors with specific outcomes, and it occurs through direct experience rather than requiring complex thought processes or reflection.

For instance, classical conditioning involves learning by association, such as when a dog learns to salivate at the sound of a bell because it has been paired repeatedly with the presentation of food. Similarly, operant conditioning involves learning through reinforcement or punishment, whereby behaviors are shaped by their consequences. Both forms of conditioning demonstrate that learning can happen in a straightforward manner, driven primarily by environmental stimuli and responses, without the need for advanced cognitive skills.

In contrast, the other types of learning mentioned—problem-solving, insight learning, and observational learning—generally involve more complex cognitive processes. Problem-solving requires critical thinking to analyze and resolve challenges, while insight learning involves a sudden understanding of the relationships between elements of a problem. Observational learning requires the ability to watch and imitate others, which also depends on higher cognitive functions. Thus, conditioning stands out as the fundamental form of learning that operates with minimal cognitive effort.