Resistance to Extinction

Definition

Resistance to extinction refers to the tendency of a learned behavior to persist even when reinforcement is no longer provided. This phenomenon is closely tied to how different reinforcement schedules can influence the durability of behavior, as behaviors reinforced intermittently tend to be more resilient when facing extinction compared to those reinforced continuously.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behaviors reinforced on variable-ratio schedules show the highest resistance to extinction, as the unpredictability of reinforcement keeps the behavior strong even when rewards stop.
2. In contrast, behaviors reinforced on continuous schedules are more likely to extinguish quickly once reinforcement ceases.
3. The duration of resistance to extinction can also be affected by factors such as the history of reinforcement and the significance of the reinforcer used.
4. Higher levels of motivation at the onset of extinction can initially cause increased responses, but this may not correlate with long-term persistence.
5. Variations in resistance to extinction can be seen across different species and types of behaviors, illustrating the complexity of learning processes.

Review Questions

• How do different types of reinforcement schedules impact resistance to extinction?
  • Different reinforcement schedules significantly influence resistance to extinction. Behaviors reinforced on variable-ratio schedules maintain stronger resistance because individuals never know when the next reward will come, leading them to keep trying for longer periods. In contrast, those on continuous schedules often extinguish quickly once reinforcement stops, demonstrating that the timing and predictability of rewards can dramatically affect behavioral persistence.
• Evaluate why some behaviors may show greater resistance to extinction than others within the context of operant conditioning.
  • Some behaviors show greater resistance to extinction due to several factors related to operant conditioning. Behaviors reinforced intermittently—especially with variable schedules—tend to become ingrained and less sensitive to extinction. Additionally, the history of reinforcement and the value placed on the reinforcer can create a stronger attachment to the behavior, making it harder for individuals to abandon it when rewards cease.
• Analyze how understanding resistance to extinction can be applied in real-world scenarios, such as training animals or modifying human behaviors.
  • Understanding resistance to extinction can have significant practical applications in training animals or modifying human behaviors. For instance, trainers might use variable-ratio reinforcement when teaching pets tricks to ensure that they remain engaged even after some sessions without treats. Similarly, in therapeutic settings, recognizing how intermittent rewards affect human behaviors can help professionals design more effective interventions for behavior modification, ensuring that desired behaviors are maintained even in the absence of immediate rewards.

Related terms

Extinction: Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time.

Reinforcement Schedule: A reinforcement schedule is a rule that dictates how and when reinforcement is delivered following a specific behavior, influencing learning and behavior persistence.

Operant Conditioning: Operant conditioning is a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment, playing a key role in shaping resistance to extinction.