What is an extinction burst and how should a behavior modification plan address it?

What is an extinction burst and how should a behavior modification plan address it?

• A. A temporary decrease in the frequency or intensity of a previously reinforced behavior when reinforcement stops.
• B. A permanent suppression of the target behavior without any rebound.
• C. An extinction burst refers to a temporary spike in the previously reinforced behavior; address by maintaining safety and providing alternative reinforcement and gradual exposure.
• D. Extinction bursts occur only in response to punishment.

Answer: (C)

An extinction burst is a temporary spike in the frequency or intensity of a behavior that has been reinforced, occurring when reinforcement is removed. When the behavior’s reinforcement stops, the learner often tests the environment to see if reinforcement has returned, which can lead to a brief increase in how often or how hard the behavior is shown. In a behavior modification plan, you should be prepared for that short-lived surge and respond in a way that keeps people and animals safe while supporting the desired change. Maintain safety and avoid reinforcing the target behavior during the burst, then shift reinforcement to an appropriate alternative behavior that serves the same function (for example, rewarding a dog for sitting quietly instead of begging at the table). Use gradual exposure if the trigger is specific, so the learner can tolerate the situation without resorting to the undesired behavior. Collect data to monitor the burst and adjust the plan as needed, ensuring consistency across people and settings.

An extinction burst is a temporary spike in the frequency or intensity of a behavior that has been reinforced, occurring when reinforcement is removed. When the behavior’s reinforcement stops, the learner often tests the environment to see if reinforcement has returned, which can lead to a brief increase in how often or how hard the behavior is shown.

In a behavior modification plan, you should be prepared for that short-lived surge and respond in a way that keeps people and animals safe while supporting the desired change. Maintain safety and avoid reinforcing the target behavior during the burst, then shift reinforcement to an appropriate alternative behavior that serves the same function (for example, rewarding a dog for sitting quietly instead of begging at the table). Use gradual exposure if the trigger is specific, so the learner can tolerate the situation without resorting to the undesired behavior. Collect data to monitor the burst and adjust the plan as needed, ensuring consistency across people and settings.