Extinction

Definition

Extinction is the process by which a previously learned behavior is gradually reduced and eventually eliminated, often as a result of the absence of reinforcement. This term is particularly relevant in the context of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and learning approaches in psychology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a gradual decrease in the conditioned response.
2. In operant conditioning, extinction happens when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by the reinforcer, causing the behavior to decrease in frequency.
3. Extinction is a crucial process in learning, as it allows organisms to adapt to changes in their environment and stop responding to stimuli that no longer predict important outcomes.
4. The rate of extinction can be influenced by factors such as the strength of the original learning, the schedule of reinforcement, and the individual's motivation and attention.
5. Extinction does not always lead to the complete elimination of a behavior, as spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement can occur under certain circumstances.

Review Questions

• Explain how extinction occurs in classical conditioning and its significance in the learning process.
  • In classical conditioning, extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a gradual decrease in the conditioned response. This process is significant because it allows organisms to adapt to changes in their environment and stop responding to stimuli that no longer predict important outcomes. Extinction is a crucial part of the learning process, as it enables flexible and adaptive behavior by allowing individuals to unlearn associations that are no longer relevant or beneficial.
• Describe the differences between extinction, spontaneous recovery, and renewal in the context of classical and operant conditioning.
  • Extinction is the process by which a previously learned behavior is gradually reduced and eliminated due to the absence of reinforcement. Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response, often after a period of time has passed since the last extinction trial. Renewal is the reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response when the individual is returned to the original context where the response was first learned. These phenomena highlight the complexity of learning and memory, as they demonstrate that extinction does not always lead to the permanent elimination of a behavior, and that context can play a significant role in the reemergence of extinguished responses.
• Analyze how the principles of extinction can be applied in real-world settings, such as in the treatment of phobias or addiction, and discuss the potential limitations or challenges of this approach.
  • The principles of extinction can be applied in real-world settings, such as in the treatment of phobias or addiction, where the goal is to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors or responses. In the case of phobias, exposure therapy, which involves repeatedly exposing the individual to the feared stimulus without the feared consequence, can lead to the extinction of the fear response. Similarly, in the treatment of addiction, extinction-based approaches, such as cue exposure therapy, aim to reduce the craving and urge to use substances by repeatedly exposing the individual to drug-related cues without the reinforcement of drug use. However, the application of extinction-based approaches in real-world settings can be challenging, as factors such as context, individual differences, and the strength of the original learning can influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, the reemergence of extinguished responses through phenomena like spontaneous recovery or renewal can pose limitations to the long-term effectiveness of these approaches, requiring careful consideration and ongoing monitoring.

Related terms

Spontaneous Recovery:

The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response, often after a period of time has passed since the last extinction trial.

Renewal: The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response when the individual is returned to the original context where the response was first learned.

Reinstatement: The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after the presentation of the unconditioned stimulus alone, without the conditioned stimulus.