Extinction

Definition

In behavioral psychology, extinction refers to the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned behavior when it is no longer reinforced. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors can change over time, especially in gamification, where the removal of rewards or incentives can lead to a decrease in user engagement or participation. By recognizing how extinction affects motivation, designers can create more effective gamified experiences that maintain user interest and commitment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction occurs when previously reinforced behaviors are no longer rewarded, leading to a decline in those behaviors over time.
2. In gamification, understanding extinction is essential because if users stop receiving rewards, their motivation to engage may diminish.
3. The rate at which extinction occurs can vary depending on factors like the frequency and timing of previous reinforcements.
4. Extinction can sometimes lead to an initial increase in the behavior as individuals may exhibit frustration or attempts to regain lost rewards, known as an 'extinction burst.'
5. Designers should consider the long-term impact of reward systems, ensuring that users remain engaged even when certain rewards are phased out.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of extinction relate to user engagement in gamified systems?
  • Extinction directly impacts user engagement because it describes what happens when rewards that reinforce certain behaviors are removed. In gamified systems, if users stop receiving rewards for their actions, they may lose motivation and reduce their participation. Understanding this relationship helps designers create strategies that maintain engagement by ensuring that users continue to feel motivated even during phases where direct rewards are less frequent.
• What strategies can be implemented in gamification design to mitigate the effects of extinction on user behavior?
  • To mitigate the effects of extinction, gamification design can incorporate variable reward schedules, where users receive unpredictable rewards at random intervals. This approach keeps users engaged by maintaining an element of surprise and anticipation. Additionally, providing intermittent reinforcement or introducing new challenges and achievements can help sustain motivation even when certain rewards are not available. By being mindful of how extinction operates, designers can create experiences that promote ongoing user participation.
• Evaluate the implications of extinction on long-term user retention in gamified applications and its potential impact on overall business performance.
  • The implications of extinction on long-term user retention are significant as it can lead to decreased user activity and loyalty if not managed properly. When users experience extinction and feel demotivated due to a lack of rewards or engagement, they may disengage from the application entirely. This loss of active users can adversely affect overall business performance by lowering customer lifetime value and reducing market competitiveness. Therefore, recognizing the potential for extinction allows businesses to implement strategies that maintain user interest and drive sustained engagement over time.

Related terms

Reinforcement: A process in behavioral psychology where a stimulus increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, usually through rewards or positive feedback.

Operant Conditioning: A learning process through which behaviors are modified based on their consequences, using reinforcement or punishment to shape behavior.

Behavior Modification: The use of techniques and principles from behaviorism to change undesirable behaviors and reinforce desired behaviors in individuals.