Extinction Concepts and Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, types, side effects, and ethical considerations of extinction.

Extinction

Discontinuing reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior.

Extinction Burst

Temporary increase in frequency, intensity, or duration of behavior when extinction begins.

Spontaneous Recovery

Behavior reappears after it has decreased through extinction.

Resistance to Extinction

Behavior persists longer due to reinforcement history.

Operant Extinction

Behavior decreases because reinforcement is withheld.

Respondent Extinction

CS is repeatedly presented without the US, weakening the conditioned response.

Escape Extinction

Preventing escape following problem behavior.

Avoidance Extinction

Preventing avoidance responses.

Attention Extinction

Withholding attention following problem behavior.

Tangible Extinction

Withholding access to items following problem behavior.

Automatic Extinction

Blocking sensory reinforcement.

Extinction-Induced Aggression

Aggressive behavior that may occur during extinction.

Extinction-Induced Variability

New or varied behaviors that may appear during extinction.

Extinction-Induced Emotional Behavior

Crying, frustration, or other emotional responses that may occur during extinction.

Functional Extinction

Extinction applied based on the function of behavior.

Differential Reinforcement + Extinction

Reinforcing alternative behavior while withholding reinforcement for problem behavior.

Schedules of Reinforcement & Extinction

Intermittent reinforcement creates greater resistance to extinction.

Extinction Misuse

Incorrectly applying extinction, which can worsen behavior.

Extinction Ethics

Extinction must be paired with reinforcement and implemented safely.

Extinction Planning

Requires identifying reinforcers, preparing for bursts, and training replacement behaviors.