What does extinction refer to in behavioral terms?

In behavioral terms, extinction refers to the process of completely stopping the reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior. When reinforcement is withdrawn consistently, the frequency of that behavior tends to decrease over time. This is based on the principle that behaviors which are no longer rewarded will eventually diminish as the individual learns that the behavior no longer leads to the desired outcome.

For example, if a child receives praise (a form of reinforcement) for cleaning their room but suddenly stops receiving any acknowledgment for doing so, the child may eventually stop cleaning their room altogether. This understanding of extinction is essential in behavioral psychology, as it helps inform strategies for behavior modification and management, particularly in contexts like therapy or education.