Topic 14: Applying Extinction

Question 1

What are the steps involved in using extinction?

Answer 1

1. collect data to assess treatment effects
2. identify the reinforcer for the problem behavior through functional assessment
3. eliminate the reinforcer after each instance of the problem behavior
4. consider the schedule of reinforcement for the problem behavior
5. reinforce alternative behaviors
6. promote generalization and maintenance

Question 2

Escape Extinction

Answer 2

extinction for behaviors maintained by negative reinforcement

in negative reinforcement, a behavior results in escape from an aversive stimulus

it involves no longer allowing escape following the problem behavior

Question 3

Treatment Fidelity

Answer 3

implementing a procedure exactly as planned

also called treatment integrity or implementation fidelity

Question 4

What are the five questions you must address before using extinction?

Answer 4

1. have you identified the reinforcer?
2. can you eliminate the reinforcer?
3. is extinction safe to use?
4. can an extinction burst be tolerated?
5. can consistency be maintained

Question 5

How do you define problem behaviors and collect data?

Answer 5

define target behavior
collect baseline data

Question 6

How do you eliminate the reinforcement for a problem behavior?

Answer 6

has the reinforcement been identified? (it may differ from person to person)

can the reinforcement be eliminated, and done consistently? (it may be under the control of others: family, friends, classmates, or workmates)

is it safe to use extinction? (problem behaviors like aggression and self-injury that are destructive to property or harmful to people raise ethical issues)

are change agents able to tolerate extinction burst, aggression, and spontaneous recovery?

Question 7

What are the two reinforcement schedules used in extinction?

Answer 7

CFR (continuous reinforcement) phase: reinforcer delivered after every target behavior

EXT (extinction) phase: reinforcer no longer delivered

Question 8

How do you reinforce alternative behaviors?

Answer 8

differential reinforcement

Question 9

What is generalization?

Answer 9

target behavior occurs across different situations that differ from the training situation

use extinction in all relevant circumstances/settings

have all change agents use extinction consistently

if possible, provide instructions about new contingencies

Question 10

What is maintenance?

Answer 10

behavior change persists over time after the behavior modification programs ends

continue to use extinction whenever the problem behavior occurs

Question 11

What is it not possible to apply extinction?

Answer 11

group settings and imitation: behavior placed on extinction typically cause an extinction burst and novel behaviors that may be imitated by others, it can be difficult to manage extinction bursts and novel behaviors emitted by several people at once

extreme behaviors: some behaviors are harmful to people or destructive of property, these should be modified with the most rapid procedures available, due to its gradual nature the use of extinction itself is not recommended