In reinforcement theory, extinction means:

In reinforcement theory, extinction means:

• A. Withholding reinforcement to reduce a behavior
• B. Providing praise to increase a behavior
• C. Punishment for every misstep
• D. Ignoring all behaviors

Answer: (A)

Extinction in reinforcement theory means withholding reinforcement to reduce a behavior. When the consequence that previously followed a behavior is no longer provided, the behavior is less likely to be repeated over time. This applies whether the reinforcement was positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something aversive); what matters is that the reinforcement stops. Sometimes you’ll see a brief spike in the behavior before it fades, called an extinction burst. This is different from punishment, which adds an aversive consequence to decrease a behavior, whereas extinction simply removes the reinforcement. It’s also not about ignoring all behaviors, but about not reinforcing the specific behavior you want to reduce.

Extinction in reinforcement theory means withholding reinforcement to reduce a behavior. When the consequence that previously followed a behavior is no longer provided, the behavior is less likely to be repeated over time. This applies whether the reinforcement was positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something aversive); what matters is that the reinforcement stops. Sometimes you’ll see a brief spike in the behavior before it fades, called an extinction burst. This is different from punishment, which adds an aversive consequence to decrease a behavior, whereas extinction simply removes the reinforcement. It’s also not about ignoring all behaviors, but about not reinforcing the specific behavior you want to reduce.