How important are rewards or punishments in the learning process according to Contiguity Theory?

Contiguity Theory posits that learning occurs when two events occur close together in time, leading to the association of ideas or behaviors without the necessity of rewards or punishments. This theory emphasizes the significance of the temporal relationship between stimuli rather than the consequences that follow a behavior. Thus, according to this perspective, rewards and punishments are not fundamental to the learning process; instead, the mere association of events is what drives learning. This principle suggests that while rewards and punishments may play a role in some learning theories (like operant conditioning), they are considered secondary and not essential under Contiguity Theory. This understanding highlights that learning can occur through association alone.