G-15 Extinction

Extinction is a behavior modification technique used to reduce the likelihood that an unwanted behavior will occur. Extinction occurs when a behavior that has previously been reinforced no longer receives reinforcement.

Types of extinction

• Escape maintained by extinction/negatively reinforced behaviors: Occurs when a person avoids something aversive by engaging in a behavior. For example , a student makes noise in class to avoid doing work.

• Extinction of positively reinforced behaviors: Occurs when a person obtains something they did not have before by engaging in a behavior. For example , a baby throws a toy on the floor and the parent picks it up and returns it to the baby. The baby repeats this behavior to receive attention and the toy.

• Sensory extinction: Occurs when a person receives a stimulus they like by engaging in a behavior. For example , a child plays with a noisy toy to hear the noise.

Remember that there are behaviors that should not be ignored, such as running away or self-harm, as the safety and well-being of students is a priority.

Things you can expect with extinction

Extinction may cause an increase in the frequency of the unwanted behavior at first. This is known as extinction-associated response increment . This increase in frequency is normal and is due to the individual trying to obtain the reinforcement they previously received. It is important to be consistent with extinction and not give in to the unwanted behavior, even if the frequency increases.

It is also possible for the unwanted behavior to return after some time, even after extinction has been effective. This is known as spontaneous recovery . Spontaneous recovery may occur because the individual has forgotten that the behavior is no longer reinforced. It is important to be prepared for spontaneous recovery and continue with extinction if the behavior returns.

Recommendations

• It is important to be consistent with extinction. If the behavior is reinforced even once, the extinction process can be delayed or even reversed.

• If the behavior is dangerous or disruptive, it is important to find other strategies to address it.

It is important to ignore the behavior you want to reduce, but without ignoring the person. You can continue interacting with the person, but without paying attention to the unwanted behavior.