Behavior Modification Chapter 14

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Questions and Answers

Define extinction and provide an example that is not from this chapter.

Extinction is the elimination of the reinforcing consequence for a behavior which results in a decrease in frequency or stops the behavior. Example: Ignoring a child who throws tantrums to gain attention.

Is Mr. Robinson ignoring a student’s disruptive behavior an example of extinction? Explain.

Yes, it is an example of extinction if attention was the reinforcing consequence the student received in the past; otherwise, it is not.

Is Mr. Robinson praising the student for sitting quietly an example of reinforcement? Explain.

Yes, this is an example of reinforcement because he is rewarding the behavior he wants to encourage, rather than reinforcing the disruptive behavior.

Why must you conduct a functional assessment before using extinction to decrease a problem behavior?

To identify the correct reinforcer for the behavior; if the wrong reinforcer is targeted, extinction will not be effective. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to collect data on the problem behavior when implementing an extinction procedure?

To assess whether the problem behavior decreased from before treatment to after treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Before using an extinction procedure, why must you ask whether the reinforcer can be eliminated?

It is crucial to determine if the change agent can control the reinforcer; if not, extinction cannot be effectively implemented. Signup and view all the answers

When would it be unsafe to use extinction, and what can be done to make it safer?

It would be unsafe if it could cause harm to the individual or others. To make it safer, utilize functional procedures like antecedent manipulations or differential reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is an extinction burst? How can it influence your decision to implement extinction?

An extinction burst is when the behavior increases in frequency, duration, or intensity after the reinforcer is withheld. If managing this burst is not feasible or could lead to harm, extinction should not be used. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if change agents cannot maintain consistency in using the extinction procedure?

It should not be used because inconsistency can lead to the behavior being reinforced intermittently, making it harder to eliminate. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a reinforcement procedure in conjunction with extinction? Provide an example.

It increases an alternative behavior to replace the problem behavior. For example, praising a child for completing a homework problem rather than punishing them for being disruptive. Signup and view all the answers

How is the schedule of reinforcement before extinction related to the effectiveness of extinction?

Behaviors reinforced continuously will become extinct more rapidly, while intermittently reinforced behaviors will decrease more gradually. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensory reinforcement? What is another name for it? Provide an example.

Sensory reinforcement is when the reinforcer is non-social and involves sensory stimulation from the behavior itself, also known as automatic positive reinforcement. Example: Self-hair pulling. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensory extinction? Provide an example.

Sensory extinction involves changing or eliminating the sensory stimulation that reinforces the behavior. Example: Putting gloves on a person who pulls their hair to inhibit the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Extinction

Extinction refers to the removal of reinforcing consequences for a behavior, leading to its decrease or cessation.
Example: A child who receives candy every time they throw a tantrum stops throwing tantrums when the candy (reinforcer) is no longer given.

Application of Extinction in Classroom Settings

In Mr. Robinson's classroom, ignoring a student's disruptive behavior exemplifies extinction if attention was the previously received reinforcer.
If attention is not the reinforcer, ignoring the behavior does not represent extinction.

Reinforcement

Mr. Robinson praises the student for sitting calmly, demonstrating reinforcement by encouraging desirable behavior rather than the disruptive behavior.
This approach aligns with positive reinforcement principles where desired actions are rewarded to encourage repetition.

Functional Assessment

Conducting a functional assessment before implementing extinction is crucial to identify the correct reinforcer associated with the problem behavior.
Without identifying the right reinforcer, extinction may fail to effectively eliminate the behavior.

Importance of Data Collection

Collecting data on the problem behavior is essential to evaluate its frequency and effectiveness of the extinction procedure over time.
Comparison of treatment data pre- and post-intervention helps to measure progress.

Controlling Reinforcers

Assessing whether the change agent can eliminate the reinforcer is crucial; if not, implementing extinction may be impossible.
Extinction is effective only if the change agent can consistently prevent the reinforcing consequence.

Safety Considerations in Extinction

Extinction is unsafe if it poses potential harm to individuals or the environment.
Alternative strategies like antecedent manipulations or differential reinforcement should be considered to ensure safety.

Extinction Bursts

An extinction burst refers to an initial increase in behavior when the reinforcer is removed, which may include increased intensity or new behaviors.
If a change agent cannot consistently withhold the reinforcer or control potential harm during this phase, extinction may not be suitable.

Consistency in Application

Inconsistent application of the extinction procedure can reinforce the behavior intermittently, making it harder to eliminate.
Consistency is key to effectively extinguishing a behavior.

Combining Reinforcement with Extinction

Using a combination of reinforcement with extinction enhances the likelihood of replacing the problem behavior with an alternative one.
For instance, instead of punishing a child for being disruptive, praise them for completing homework, effectively redirecting their behavior.

Schedule of Reinforcement Impact

Behaviors reinforced continuously tend to become extinct more quickly than those reinforced intermittently.
Intermittently reinforced behaviors decrease more gradually and may require additional reinforcement to facilitate extinction.

Sensory Reinforcement

Sensory reinforcement is a type of reinforcer that provides non-social sensory stimulation, also known as "automatic positive reinforcement."
Example includes an individual engaging in self-hair pulling for sensory comfort.

Sensory Extinction

Sensory extinction involves altering or removing the sensory stimuli that reinforce certain behaviors.
Example: Putting gloves on a person to prevent them from engaging in hair-pulling behavior.

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Explore key concepts from Chapter 14 of Behavior Modification with these flashcards. Test your understanding of extinction and see how it applies to real-world scenarios, including examples from classroom settings. This quiz helps reinforce learning and application of behavior modification principles.