Extinction in Behavior Analysis

These flashcards focus on essential vocabulary terms related to extinction in behavior analysis, encompassing definitions, concepts, and key principles.

Operant Extinction

The procedure of withholding reinforcers that maintain a behavior.

Classical Extinction

The procedure of presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction Burst

Increase in frequency, duration, and/or intensity of the unreinforced behavior during the extinction process.

Spontaneous Recovery

The tendency for extinguished behavior to occur again in similar situations where it was previously reinforced.

Resistance to Extinction

Partial Reinforcement Effect (PRE) where behaviors reinforced intermittently take longer to extinguish.

Cumulative Responses

A graphical representation of responses over time, used to measure behavior extinction.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A stimulus that initially produces no response but, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, produces a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without previous conditioning.

Operant Variability

Increased likelihood of other behaviors occurring during extinction.

Emotional Responses

Heightened emotional state during extinction; can lead to aggression.

Behavior Modification

A systematic approach to changing behaviors through reinforcement and extinction techniques.

Conditioned Response

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Functional Assessment

A process to identify and define target behaviors that need to be increased or decreased.

Continuous Reinforcement

A schedule of reinforcement in which every occurrence of the target behavior is reinforced.

Intermittent Reinforcement

A schedule of reinforcement where not every occurrence of the target behavior is reinforced.

Generalization

The application of learned behaviors across different situations and environments.

Change Agents

Individuals who implement behavior modification techniques and ensure the process is consistent.

Nonaversive Techniques

Strategies that do not involve punishment but rather seek to alter behaviors through reinforcement and extinction.

Reinforcer

Any stimulus that increases the probability of a behavior occurring again.

Automatic Reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs independently of social agents, meaning it comes from the behavior itself.

Social Reinforcement

Reinforcement mediated by the actions of others, such as praise or attention.

Negatively Reinforced Behavior

A behavior that is followed by the removal of an aversive stimulus, increasing its occurrence.

Positively Reinforced Behavior

A behavior that results in the addition of a pleasant stimulus, increasing its occurrence.

Extinction Procedure

A planned method to decrease a behavior by eliminating its reinforcement.

Procedure for Implementing Extinction

Denying reinforcement consistently every time the behavior occurs.

Hypothesis Testing in Functional Assessment

Testing the hypothesis derived from the assessment to identify antecedents and consequences.

Treatment Fidelity

The accuracy with which a treatment is implemented, ensuring all components are executed as planned.

Behavioral Variability

Variations in behavior that can occur when a subject is subjected to extinction.

Conditioning

The process of learning associations between environmental events and behavioral responses.

Self-Injurious Behavior

Behavior that subjects an individual to injury which can complicate the application of extinction.

Extinction in Problem Behaviors

A technique used to reduce undesired behaviors by removing their reinforcement.

Schedule of Extinction

The timing and consistency of the removal of reinforcement during the extinction process.

Resistance to Extinction Definition

The tendency of certain behaviors to persist even when reinforcement is removed.

Coping with Extinction Bursts

Strategies employed to handle the increase in behavior frequency during the initial phase of extinction.

Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors

Encouraging the adoption of desirable behaviors while extinguishing undesirable ones.

Ethical Considerations in Extinction

Factors that ensure the safety and well-being of both the change agents and the individuals involved.

Assessment of Treatment Effectiveness

Evaluating whether the use of extinction led to desired changes in behavior.

Behavior Analysis

A scientific discipline concerned with analyzing and modifying behaviors through measurable methods.