Extinction is a learning process in which
A) punishments cause a rapid reduction or elimination of an inappropriate or dangerous response.
B) a subject is taught that an event or behavior that previously was predictive of a particular outcome is no longer predictive.
C) a reflexive behavior that was once adaptive now becomes a threat to the animal's survival due to environmental changes.
D) animals acquire cues and behaviors that allow them to compete successfully enough to eliminate the competitors in their niche.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Extinction in the context of learning theory, particularly within classical and operant conditioning, refers to the process where a conditioned response decreases or disappears when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, or when a behavior is no longer reinforced. Choice B accurately describes this process, indicating that an event or behavior that was once predictive of a certain outcome (due to previous conditioning) is no longer associated with that outcome, leading to a decrease or cessation of the conditioned response or behavior.

Extinction Is a Learning Process in Which