Extinction

Definition

Extinction is the process in which a previously reinforced behavior decreases and eventually stops occurring when the reinforcement is no longer presented. This concept is critical in understanding how learned behaviors can diminish over time, particularly in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and behavior modification techniques, illustrating the impact of the absence of reinforcement or conditioning stimuli.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In classical conditioning, extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a decrease in the conditioned response.
2. In operant conditioning, extinction happens when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, causing the behavior to diminish over time.
3. Extinction can lead to an initial increase in the frequency of the behavior before it begins to decrease, known as an extinction burst.
4. Once extinction has occurred, spontaneous recovery may happen, where the extinguished behavior reappears after some time without further reinforcement.
5. Understanding extinction is essential for effective behavior modification strategies, as it helps in determining how and when to withdraw reinforcement effectively.

Review Questions

• How does extinction differ between classical and operant conditioning?
  • In classical conditioning, extinction involves the repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a decrease in the conditioned response. In contrast, in operant conditioning, extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement, resulting in a gradual decline in that behavior. Both processes highlight how the absence of reinforcement or association affects learned behaviors but operate through different mechanisms.
• What role does spontaneous recovery play in understanding extinction in learned behaviors?
  • Spontaneous recovery refers to the re-emergence of an extinguished behavior after a period of time without further reinforcement. This phenomenon highlights that while a behavior may seem to have been fully extinguished, underlying connections can remain intact. It demonstrates that learning is not completely erased during extinction and shows how previous experiences can influence future behaviors. Recognizing spontaneous recovery is important for developing comprehensive behavior modification plans.
• Evaluate the implications of extinction for developing effective behavior modification techniques in various settings.
  • Extinction has significant implications for behavior modification strategies across various settings like education, therapy, and parenting. Understanding how and when to apply extinction can help practitioners design interventions that successfully reduce undesired behaviors while minimizing potential frustration or emotional distress for individuals involved. Moreover, recognizing factors like spontaneous recovery and extinction bursts allows for better planning and anticipation of challenges, ensuring more effective and humane approaches to behavior change.

Related terms

Reinforcement:

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, which can be positive (adding a stimulus) or negative (removing an aversive stimulus).

Conditioned Response:

A learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus, typically seen in classical conditioning.

Operant Conditioning:

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment, highlighting the importance of consequences in shaping behavior.