When Teresa started ignoring her daughter Lisa's tantrums, the tantrums began to decrease until they occurred at about half the rate that they previously did. In other words, Lisa's tantrums have been
A) extinguished.
B) partially extinguished.
C) reinforced.
D) partially reinforced.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lisa's tantrums decreased in frequency when Teresa started ignoring them, indicating that the behavior was partially extinguished, not completely eliminated or reinforced. Extinction in behavioral terms refers to the reduction of a behavior after a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced. Since the tantrums decreased but did not stop entirely, "partially extinguished" is the most accurate description.

When Teresa Started Ignoring Her Daughter Lisa's Tantrums, the Tantrums