In operant conditioning, extinction of a behavior that has been maintained by positive reinforcement works by which process?

• A. Withholding the reinforcing consequence that previously followed the behavior so the behavior decreases over time
• B. Delivering an aversive consequence after the behavior so the behavior decreases
• C. Reinforcing a different behavior while continuing to reinforce the original behavior at the same rate
• D. Providing noncontingent reinforcement on a fixed-time schedule regardless of the behavior

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in operant conditioning, extinction refers to the process by which a previously reinforced behavior decreases in frequency over time.
2. Identify that the behavior was maintained by positive reinforcement, meaning the behavior was followed by a rewarding consequence that increased its occurrence.
3. Recognize that extinction occurs when the reinforcing consequence is no longer provided after the behavior, leading to a reduction in that behavior.
4. Contrast extinction with other processes such as punishment (delivering an aversive consequence) or noncontingent reinforcement (providing reinforcement regardless of behavior), which are different mechanisms.
5. Conclude that the correct process for extinction in this context is withholding the reinforcing consequence that previously followed the behavior, causing the behavior to decrease over time.