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1 Chapter 14
Applying Extinction
2 Using Extinction
Define problem behaviors
Identify the reinforcers for the problem behavior
–Same behaviour can be reinforced by different things in different people – never
make assumptions.
Eliminate reinforcer for problem behaviour
Which schedule of reinforcement?
- Less resistance to extinction following CRF
- Extinction decreases behavior more slowly following IR
- CR before extinction may make extinction occur more quickly
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Use differential reinforcement
–Reinforce an alternative behavior to replace the problem behavior
How will you generalize and maintain behaviour?
3 Considerations in Using Extinction
Have you identified the reinforcer?
–Extinction must be functional
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–Extinction must be functional
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Can you (the change agent) eliminate the reinforcer?
–(Is the reinforcer under your control?)
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Is it safe to use extinction?
–Is the behaviour dangerous to the person or others?
Can you tolerate an extinction burst?
–How bad will the behavior get?
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Can you be consistent?
–Will everyone use extinction? All the time? (Treatment fidelity)
4 Using Extinction with SIB Maintained by Attention
5 Functional Variations of Extinction
6 Variations of Extinction
Extinction following positive reinforcement
–Person no longer gets the positive reinforcer following the behavior
Extinction following negative reinforcement
–Person no longer escapes aversive stimulus following the behavior
–Called escape extinction
–Examples:
Engaging in tantrum to avoid homework
Crying to get out of bath time
Insulting caretakers to get out of chores
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Insulting caretakers to get out of chores
7 Considerations in Using Extinction
Schedule of reinforcement
–Continuous – faster easier to extinguish
–Intermittent – takes longer and more difficult to extinquish
Establishes realistic expectations of time to extinguish
Extinction should always be used in conjunction with reinforcement procedures.
How will you promote generalization and maintenance?
–Use consistently with all people involved across all situations.
–Implement extinction process again whenever the behaviour reoccurs
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8 Sensory Extinction
Used for behaviors maintained by automatic positive reinforcement
Change / eliminate reinforcing sensory stimulations
Provide same or matched stimulation for appropriate behavior
9 Sensory Extinction Example
10 Test your understanding
1 Mr. Shoney had inadvertently shaped intense and long-lasting tantrums in his young
son, Harvey. Mr. Shoney was divorced and working out of his home. When Harvey
engaged in tantrum behavior, Mr. Shoney tried to ignore it and continue working, but
about half of the time he eventually gave Harvey what he wanted. Often, Harvey
engaged in the tantrum behavior for 20 to 30 minutes before his dad stopped working
and gave him what he wanted. Harvey’s tantrums consisted of whining, crying, and
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engaged in the tantrum behavior for 20 to 30 minutes before his dad stopped working
and gave him what he wanted. Harvey’s tantrums consisted of whining, crying, and
pleading for what he wanted (e.g., ice cream, playing a game, going to the park).
Describe how Mr. Shoney should implement extinction to eliminate Harvey’s tantrum
behavior.
2 Read the following application exercise scenario. Provide a rationale for the use of
extinction.
