In the context of operant conditioning, what is extinction?

In operant conditioning, extinction refers specifically to the process by which a behavior that has been previously reinforced is weakened or diminished due to the absence of reinforcement. When a behavior that was once followed by a reward is no longer reinforced, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again decreases over time. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when a student stops studying because they no longer receive praise for their efforts or when a pet stops performing a trick because it is no longer rewarded with treats.

The understanding of extinction is crucial in behavior modification, as recognizing when a behavior is no longer reinforced can help trainers or educators adjust their strategies accordingly. The focus on lack of reinforcement is key in distinguishing this process from other concepts within operant conditioning, such as reinforcement, which increases behavior frequency.