Extinction

  • extinction: nonreinforcement of previously reinforced response; results in decrease in the strength response
    • procedure: nonreinforcement of previously reinforced response
    • process: resultant decrease in response strength
  • side effects of extinction
    • extinction burst: temporary increase in frequency and intensity of responding when extinction first implemented
    • increase in variability: increase in variability of a behavior (ex: frustration, aggression, depression)
    • resurgence: reappearance during extinction of other behaviors that had once been effective in obtaining reinforcement
    • associated w Freud’s regression
    • resistance to extinction: extent to which responding persists after extinction procedure has been implemented (can be high or low)
  • differential reinforcement of other behavior
    • reinforcement of any behavior other than the target behavior that is being extinguished
    • more effective than simple extinction procedures
    • reduces unwanted side effects of extinction
    • functional communication training - behavior of clear and appropriate communication is differentially reinforced