Extinction Procedures in Behavior Analysis

Extinction

  • Extinction is a method to decrease unwanted behavior by ensuring such behavior does not receive reinforcement.
  • Crucial to control reinforcement delivery when using extinction.

Definition of Extinction

  • Extinction involves discontinuing reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior.
  • Primary Outcome: Decrease in the frequency of the behavior.
  • Differs from punishment: Extinction withholds reinforcers instead of introducing aversive stimuli.
  • Applicable to any previously reinforced behavior, not just aberrant behavior.
  • Extinction means no longer reinforcing the response in situations where it was reinforced in the past.

Terminology

  • Extinguish the behavior, not the individual.
  • Avoid using the term 'extinction' when discussing interventions with parents due to its negative connotations.

Implementation of Extinction

  • Operational Definition: Essential to have a clear, precise definition of the target behavior.
  • Identify Reinforcers: Determine what reinforcers are maintaining the behavior before using extinction.
  • Methods to Identify Reinforcers:
    • Observation: Identify events immediately following the behavior.
    • Formal Assessments: Use structured assessments to find potential reinforcers.

Catch All Reinforcers

  • Address all sources of reinforcement to ensure effectiveness.
  • Alternative reinforcement sources can undermine extinction.

Consistency

  • Withhold reinforcement consistently for the target behavior.
  • Inconsistency can lead to intermittent reinforcement, strengthening the behavior.
  • Intermittent reinforcement (especially variable ratio schedules) can increase behavior frequency.

Monitoring Results

  • Track the behavior's rate, duration, and probability.
  • Adjust the approach if no decrease is observed; consider alternative reinforcers.

Combining with Reinforcement

  • Integrate extinction with reinforcement of alternative behaviors.
  • Extinction does not teach new behaviors; reinforcement does.

Enhancing Extinction Effectiveness

  • Combine with other procedures, especially reinforcement.
  • Use Instructions When Possible:
    • Explain to the individual that the behavior will no longer result in reinforcement.
    • Effective only if the individual has sufficient language skills.
  • Increase Number of Trials:
    • More opportunities to engage in the behavior without reinforcement enhance extinction.
  • Include Others:
    • Ensure all team members consistently implement the extinction procedure.
  • Maintain Consistency:
    • Essential for preventing reinforcement of the target behavior.

Challenges with Extinction

  • Extinction Burst:
    • Initial increase in the behavior's rate, duration, or intensity.
    • Communicate this possibility to the team.
    • Example: A graph showing the length of time screaming increases after extinction begins, before decreasing over time.
  • Reinforcement from Other Sources:
    • Peers, other adults, or the activity itself could provide reinforcement.
    • Address all potential sources of reinforcement.
  • Activity as Reinforcement:
    • If the activity itself is reinforcing, extinction may be difficult to implement.
    • Consider alternative procedures.
  • Induces Aggression:
    • Frustration from the removal of reinforcement can lead to aggression.
    • Combine extinction with other procedures.
  • Long Process:
    • Extinction can take time, especially without many trials.
  • Severe Problem Behavior:
    • The extinction burst can be dangerous with severe behaviors (e.g., self-injury).
    • May not be appropriate as a standalone procedure.

Other Challenges

  • Resurgence and Spontaneous Recovery:
    • The behavior may reappear after a period of absence.
    • Requires re-implementation of extinction.
  • Changing Topography:
    • The individual may engage in a different behavior to obtain the same reinforcement.
  • Consistency:
    • Difficult to maintain across multiple individuals on a team.

Ethical Considerations

  • Consider whether you would want the procedure used on yourself or loved ones.
  • Extinction should not be the sole strategy; consider alternative approaches.

Equations and Formulas

  • No specific equations or formulas were mentioned in this transcript. General understanding of behavioral principles relies on:
    • Reinforcement: Behavior↑Behavior \uparrow when followed by a reinforcing stimulus
    • Extinction: Behavior↓Behavior \downarrow when reinforcement is consistently withheld.