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

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