PSYB45H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Reinforcement
Document Summary
Extinction is first basic approach we will discuss. When a behaviour that was previously reinforced is no longer followed by reinforcement, the individual is less likely to engage in the behaviour again. Stopping the reinforcement of a behaviour will cause the behaviour to decrease in frequency. Similarities with respondent extinction, but important to distinguish the two. Respondent extinction: decrease in a conditioned response due to a cs no longer being followed by a us. In this course and the text, when we just say extinction we are referring to operant extinction. Ignoring a child"s whining leads them to eventually stop whining and alter their approach. Not responding to a persistent admirer leads them to eventually stop trying to ask you out. Withholding any attention to a child"s verbally aggressive behaviour helps reduce the frequency of the behaviour. You stop posting so many pictures of your new puppy on facebook when your friends stop liking them.
