Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What does the term "extinction" refer to in behavioral learning?

1. The introduction of new behavior

2. The removal of reinforcement

3. The gradual increase of desirable behavior

4. The strengthening of learned responses

The correct answer is: The removal of reinforcement

The term "extinction" in behavioral learning refers specifically to the removal of reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior. When a behavior is no longer reinforced, it results in a decrease in that behavior over time. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, where reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring. When that reinforcement is withheld, the behavior tends to diminish and may eventually stop altogether. In the context of this question, the other answer choices do not align with the definition of extinction. The introduction of new behavior refers to teaching or strengthening novel actions, which is unrelated to extinguishing existing behaviors. The gradual increase of desirable behavior describes a process of reinforcement rather than extinction. Lastly, the strengthening of learned responses involves reinforcement as well, which is contrary to the concept of extinction, where reinforcement is removed. Thus, the definition of extinction is accurately captured in the choice that highlights the removal of reinforcement.