What is Extinction?
Extinction is withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior.
It is NOT punishment. It is simply "stopping the payoff."
Types of Extinction
1. Attention Extinction: Planned Ignoring. (Stop looking/talking).
2. Escape Extinction: Follow through with the demand. (Don't let them leave).
3. Sensory Extinction: Mask the feeling. (Helmet, gloves).
RBT Practice Exam Scenario
Question: "The child screams for candy. The mom used to give it. Now, she ignores the screaming and never gives the candy. What procedure is this?"
Answer: Extinction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extinction
What is an Extinction Burst?
It gets worse before it gets better. When you stop paying, they scream louder to try to force you to pay. This is a sign it is working.
What is Spontaneous Recovery?
When an extinguished behavior suddenly comes back out of nowhere. Continue extinction, and it will go away again quickly.
Is it ignoring?
Only for attention behaviors. For escape, it is "Not ignoring" (keeping the demand on).