ABA Extinction Flashcards

Extinction is the process of discontinuing reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, leading to a decrease in that behavior's future occurrences.
The goal of extinction is to change the environmental conditions so the behavior stops receiving reinforcement.

Procedural forms involve simply ignoring the undesired behavior, effectively not allowing escape from it.
Functional forms concentrate on withholding the maintainers of reinforcement that support the behavior.

Extinction of behavior maintained by positive reinforcement results in no longer receiving attention or tangibles.
Extinction of behavior maintained by negative reinforcement stops the behavior from producing removal or escape from aversive situations.
Extinction of automatically reinforced behaviors requires masking or removing sensory consequences but is challenging and not usually recommended.

Gradual decreases in frequency and amplitude signal a slow reduction in the behavior's occurrence and intensity after reinforcement is removed, but new or old behaviors might re-emerge.
An extinction burst refers to an immediate increase in the behavior's frequency upon reinforcement removal, often marking a critical phase in the extinction process.

Spontaneous recovery occurs when a previously diminished behavior shows up again in similar contexts even without reinforcement, though this is typically short-lived.
Resistance to extinction indicates a persistence in behavior during the extinction process, demonstrating increased resilience against extinction measures.

Establishing operations refer to various stimuli that function as reinforcers, with motivation levels influencing resistance to extinction.
Reinforcement provided every time contributes to greater resistance.
A long history of receiving reinforcement leads to stronger resistance and prolonged bursts of behavior.
Repeated attempts at extinction can bolster resistance.

Consistency is critical—identify and consistently withhold all forms of reinforcement.
Combining extinction with other behavioral procedures increases effectiveness.
Prepare for potential exacerbation of the behavior during the initial extinction phases and practice extensively.
Involve others in the extinction process to create a supportive environment.
Be cautious of unintended reinforcement during extinction efforts.
Ideally, the extinction procedure should remain in place consistently to achieve lasting effects.

Avoid extinction techniques when dealing with mimicry or imitation behaviors.
Extreme behaviors, which may pose risks to safety or well-being, should be managed with caution and potentially different strategies.