ABA- Extinction Questions and Answers
| Latest Version | 2024/2025 | Graded A+
What is the basic principle of extinction in ABA?
✔✔ The basic principle of extinction in ABA involves reducing a behavior by discontinuing the
reinforcement that previously maintained it.
How does extinction differ from punishment in behavior analysis?
✔✔ Extinction reduces a behavior by stopping reinforcement, while punishment decreases a
behavior by adding an aversive consequence or removing a desirable stimulus.
What happens to the frequency of a behavior during the initial phase of extinction?
✔✔ During the initial phase of extinction, the frequency of the behavior may temporarily
increase, a phenomenon known as an extinction burst.
Why might a behavior increase before it starts to decrease during extinction?
✔✔ A behavior might increase before it starts to decrease due to an extinction burst, where the
individual initially tries harder to get the same reinforcement.
1
, What should be done to ensure the effectiveness of extinction?
✔✔ To ensure the effectiveness of extinction, it is important to consistently withhold the
reinforcement and avoid inadvertently providing reinforcement during the process.
How long does it typically take for a behavior to decrease after implementing extinction?
✔✔ The time it takes for a behavior to decrease after implementing extinction can vary based on
the behavior, the consistency of the intervention, and the previous reinforcement history.
What is the role of consistency in the extinction process?
✔✔ Consistency is crucial in the extinction process because inconsistent application of
extinction can lead to confusion and failure to reduce the behavior effectively.
What is an extinction burst?
✔✔ An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a
behavior that occurs when reinforcement is first removed.
Can extinction be used in conjunction with other behavior change strategies?
✔✔ Yes, extinction can be used in conjunction with other behavior change strategies, such as
reinforcement of alternative behaviors, to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.
2
| Latest Version | 2024/2025 | Graded A+
What is the basic principle of extinction in ABA?
✔✔ The basic principle of extinction in ABA involves reducing a behavior by discontinuing the
reinforcement that previously maintained it.
How does extinction differ from punishment in behavior analysis?
✔✔ Extinction reduces a behavior by stopping reinforcement, while punishment decreases a
behavior by adding an aversive consequence or removing a desirable stimulus.
What happens to the frequency of a behavior during the initial phase of extinction?
✔✔ During the initial phase of extinction, the frequency of the behavior may temporarily
increase, a phenomenon known as an extinction burst.
Why might a behavior increase before it starts to decrease during extinction?
✔✔ A behavior might increase before it starts to decrease due to an extinction burst, where the
individual initially tries harder to get the same reinforcement.
1
, What should be done to ensure the effectiveness of extinction?
✔✔ To ensure the effectiveness of extinction, it is important to consistently withhold the
reinforcement and avoid inadvertently providing reinforcement during the process.
How long does it typically take for a behavior to decrease after implementing extinction?
✔✔ The time it takes for a behavior to decrease after implementing extinction can vary based on
the behavior, the consistency of the intervention, and the previous reinforcement history.
What is the role of consistency in the extinction process?
✔✔ Consistency is crucial in the extinction process because inconsistent application of
extinction can lead to confusion and failure to reduce the behavior effectively.
What is an extinction burst?
✔✔ An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a
behavior that occurs when reinforcement is first removed.
Can extinction be used in conjunction with other behavior change strategies?
✔✔ Yes, extinction can be used in conjunction with other behavior change strategies, such as
reinforcement of alternative behaviors, to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.
2
