Which process decreases the frequency of a behavior by ceasing to provide reinforcement or presenting an aversive stimulus?

Which process decreases the frequency of a behavior by ceasing to provide reinforcement or presenting an aversive stimulus?

• A. Extinction
• B. Punishment
• C. Reinforcement
• D. Stimulus Control

Answer: (A)

Extinction decreases the frequency of a behavior by withholding the reinforcement that previously followed it. When the expected consequence no longer occurs, the behavior loses its reinforcing value and tends to occur less often over time. For example, if a student raises a hand to get attention and attention is no longer given, the hand-raising behavior typically declines. The idea here is that the consequence that maintained the behavior is no longer provided. The other process would involve introducing an unpleasant outcome or removing a preferred consequence contingent on the behavior, which is punishment—a different mechanism that also reduces behavior but through a different route. Reinforcement would increase behavior by delivering a consequence that strengthens it, and stimulus control involves cues in the environment that signal when reinforcement is available, not the direct cessation of reinforcement.

Extinction decreases the frequency of a behavior by withholding the reinforcement that previously followed it. When the expected consequence no longer occurs, the behavior loses its reinforcing value and tends to occur less often over time. For example, if a student raises a hand to get attention and attention is no longer given, the hand-raising behavior typically declines. The idea here is that the consequence that maintained the behavior is no longer provided.

The other process would involve introducing an unpleasant outcome or removing a preferred consequence contingent on the behavior, which is punishment—a different mechanism that also reduces behavior but through a different route. Reinforcement would increase behavior by delivering a consequence that strengthens it, and stimulus control involves cues in the environment that signal when reinforcement is available, not the direct cessation of reinforcement.