How Is Extinction Implemented Following Negative Reinforcement?A. Positive Reinforcement Is Implemented.B. The Reinforcer The Behavior Used To Produce Is Withheld.C. The Aversive Stimulus The Behavior Used To Remove/prevent Is Now Presented (no Longer
Introduction
Behavioral psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior and its underlying causes. One of the key concepts in behavioral psychology is extinction, which refers to the process of eliminating a behavior that has been previously reinforced. In this article, we will explore how extinction is implemented following negative reinforcement.
What is Negative Reinforcement?
Negative reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning where a behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus. In other words, a behavior is reinforced because it removes or reduces an unpleasant or uncomfortable stimulus. For example, a person may press a button to turn off a loud alarm, which is an aversive stimulus. The behavior of pressing the button is reinforced because it removes the unpleasant stimulus.
How is Extinction Implemented Following Negative Reinforcement?
Extinction is implemented following negative reinforcement by removing the aversive stimulus that was previously associated with the behavior. This means that the behavior is no longer reinforced because the stimulus that was removed is no longer present. There are two ways to implement extinction following negative reinforcement:
A. Positive Reinforcement is Implemented
One way to implement extinction following negative reinforcement is to introduce a new reinforcer that is not related to the aversive stimulus. This new reinforcer can be a positive stimulus, such as a reward or a pleasant experience. For example, a person may be reinforced for pressing a button to turn off a loud alarm by receiving a reward, such as a piece of candy. The behavior of pressing the button is now reinforced by the new reinforcer, rather than the removal of the aversive stimulus.
B. The Reinforcer the Behavior Used to Produce is Withheld
Another way to implement extinction following negative reinforcement is to withhold the reinforcer that was previously associated with the behavior. This means that the behavior is no longer reinforced because the stimulus that was removed is no longer present. For example, a person may be reinforced for pressing a button to turn off a loud alarm by having the alarm turned off. If the alarm is no longer turned off, the behavior of pressing the button is no longer reinforced.
C. The Aversive Stimulus the Behavior Used to Remove/Prevent is Now Presented (No Longer)
The final way to implement extinction following negative reinforcement is to present the aversive stimulus that was previously removed. This means that the behavior is no longer reinforced because the stimulus that was removed is now present again. For example, a person may be reinforced for pressing a button to turn off a loud alarm by having the alarm turned off. If the alarm is now turned back on, the behavior of pressing the button is no longer reinforced.
Example of Extinction in Real-Life Situations
Extinction can be observed in real-life situations, such as:
- A child may be reinforced for throwing a tantrum to get attention from their parents. If the parents ignore the child's tantrum, the behavior of throwing a tantrum is no longer reinforced.
- A person may be reinforced for smoking to relieve stress. If the person is no longer able to smoke, the behavior of smoking is no longer reinforced.
- A dog may be reinforced for barking to alert its owner of a potential threat. If the owner ignores the dog's barking, the behavior of barking is no longer reinforced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extinction is a process of eliminating a behavior that has been previously reinforced. Negative reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning where a behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus. There are three ways to implement extinction following negative reinforcement: introducing a new reinforcer, withholding the reinforcer, and presenting the aversive stimulus. Understanding extinction is crucial in behavioral psychology, as it can be used to eliminate unwanted behaviors and promote positive behaviors.
References
- Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
- Watson, J. B. (1913). Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review, 20(2), 158-177.
- Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.
Further Reading
- Operant Conditioning: A Guide to Understanding Behavior
- The Role of Reinforcement in Behavioral Psychology
- The Importance of Extinction in Behavioral Psychology
FAQs
- Q: What is extinction in behavioral psychology? A: Extinction is the process of eliminating a behavior that has been previously reinforced.
- Q: What is negative reinforcement? A: Negative reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning where a behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus.
- Q: How is extinction implemented following negative reinforcement?
A: There are three ways to implement extinction following negative reinforcement: introducing a new reinforcer, withholding the reinforcer, and presenting the aversive stimulus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Extinction in Behavioral Psychology ====================================================================
Q: What is extinction in behavioral psychology?
A: Extinction is the process of eliminating a behavior that has been previously reinforced. It is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology that helps us understand how behaviors are learned and unlearned.
Q: What is negative reinforcement?
A: Negative reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning where a behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus. In other words, a behavior is reinforced because it removes or reduces an unpleasant or uncomfortable stimulus.
Q: How is extinction implemented following negative reinforcement?
A: There are three ways to implement extinction following negative reinforcement:
- Introducing a new reinforcer: This involves introducing a new stimulus that reinforces the behavior, but is not related to the aversive stimulus.
- Withholding the reinforcer: This involves removing the stimulus that was previously associated with the behavior, so that the behavior is no longer reinforced.
- Presenting the aversive stimulus: This involves presenting the aversive stimulus that was previously removed, so that the behavior is no longer reinforced.
Q: What are some examples of extinction in real-life situations?
A: Some examples of extinction in real-life situations include:
- A child throwing a tantrum to get attention from their parents, and the parents ignoring the tantrum.
- A person smoking to relieve stress, and then quitting smoking.
- A dog barking to alert its owner of a potential threat, and the owner ignoring the barking.
Q: Why is extinction important in behavioral psychology?
A: Extinction is important in behavioral psychology because it helps us understand how behaviors are learned and unlearned. By understanding extinction, we can develop strategies to eliminate unwanted behaviors and promote positive behaviors.
Q: Can extinction be used to eliminate any behavior?
A: No, extinction cannot be used to eliminate any behavior. Extinction only works for behaviors that have been previously reinforced. If a behavior has not been reinforced, extinction will not be effective.
Q: How long does extinction take to occur?
A: The length of time it takes for extinction to occur can vary depending on the individual and the behavior. In some cases, extinction can occur quickly, while in other cases it may take longer.
Q: Can extinction be used to treat mental health disorders?
A: Yes, extinction can be used to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. By eliminating unwanted behaviors, extinction can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when implementing extinction?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when implementing extinction include:
- Not providing a clear and consistent reinforcer.
- Not removing the aversive stimulus quickly enough.
- Not ignoring the behavior long enough for extinction to occur.
Q: How can I implement extinction in my own life?
A: To implement extinction in your own life, you can try the following:
- Identify the behavior you want to eliminate.
- Remove the reinforcer associated with the behavior.
- Ignore the behavior until it is no longer reinforced.
- Introduce a new reinforcer to promote a positive behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extinction is a powerful tool in behavioral psychology that can be used to eliminate unwanted behaviors and promote positive behaviors. By understanding extinction and implementing it correctly, you can improve your mental health and well-being.