The systematic withholding of reinforcement previously contingent upon a response until the probability of the response diminishes to zero is Skinner's definition of
A)punishment.
B)aversion.
C)extinction.
D)successive approximation.
E)negative reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skinner's definition of extinction refers to the process of withholding reinforcement that was previously contingent upon a response until the response probability diminishes to zero. This involves eliminating a behavior by simply not providing the reinforcement that maintained it. Punishment involves the introduction of an aversive consequence to reduce behavior, while aversive conditioning involves pairing a behavior with an aversive stimulus to decrease its frequency. Successive approximation, also known as shaping, involves reinforcing behaviors that resemble the target behavior in order to gradually shape the desired behavior. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase behavior.

The Systematic Withholding of Reinforcement Previously Contingent Upon a Response