lec 6: operant extinction

operation extinction

when previously reinforced bhvr is emitted and not followed by reinforcement, individual is less likely to repeat bhvr

control of reinforcers for behaviour that is to be decreased

reinforcers from others or from the environment can undo extinction, make sure you are withholding what is actually maintaining the bhvr

combining extinction with positive reinforcement for an alternate bhvr

differential reinforcement of alternative behaviour

setting in which extinction is carried out

minimize infleunce of alternative reinforcers of the undesirable behaviour (from others in setting), maximize the chanced of bhvr midifier persisting with the program

use of instructions

may speed up bhvr change, if you do X you will no longer get Y

schedule of reinforcement before extinction is carried out

continuous reinforcement is quick to extinction, intermittent reinforcement may be slow to extinction (resistant)

behaviour being extinguished might get worse before it gets better

extinction burstL temporary increase in responding during extinction, if situation where extinction burst is harmful you need to take preventative measures or it shouldn’t be used

elicited aggression

extinction may produce aggression that interferes with program, aggression lower in programs that reinforce alternative bhvr

spontaneous recovery

reappearance of extinguished behaviour after a delay

pitfalls of operant extinction

those who are unaware of extinction may unknowingly decrease desirable behaviour, desirably bhvr must be occasionally reinforced