How is extinction defined in the context of behavior analysis?

In behavior analysis, extinction is specifically defined as the process of discontinuing reinforcement for a particular behavior that previously received reinforcement. This means that when a behavior is no longer followed by a reinforcing consequence, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is diminished.

By applying extinction, behavior analysts aim to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors by removing the rewards or reinforcers that maintain them. It is important to note that while the behavior might initially increase in frequency or intensity during the extinction process, this is typically referred to as an "extinction burst." Over time, without reinforcement, the behavior will decrease and ideally cease.

In this context, other options do not accurately capture the definition of extinction. For example, discontinuing reinforcement for all past behaviors does not specify a particular behavior and could be misleading. Creating new behaviors through reinforcement does not pertain to extinction but rather to the introduction of positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. Introducing new reinforcers for required behaviors describes a different strategy associated with behavior modification rather than the process of extinguishing an existing behavior.