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Multiple Choice

What is an example of extinction that aims to reduce a specific behavior?

Taking away a favorite toy is an example of extinction aimed at reducing a specific behavior because it involves removing a positive reinforcer that the individual may be relying on to engage in that behavior. In behavioral terms, extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time. By removing the toy, which could be reinforcing the undesired behavior (such as tantrums or attention-seeking), the individual may be less likely to engage in that behavior in the future as they no longer receive the reinforcement they previously enjoyed. In contrast, the other options do not directly illustrate the concept of extinction aimed at reducing behaviors through reinforcement removal. Taking a client to the zoo is an unrelated activity that does not directly target behaviors. Discussing antecedents and behaviors may provide insight into behavior patterns but does not involve the process of extinction itself. Using negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus, which is different from extinction, as it still aims to increase a desired behavior rather than reduce an undesired one.

Taking away a favorite toy is an example of extinction aimed at reducing a specific behavior because it involves removing a positive reinforcer that the individual may be relying on to engage in that behavior. In behavioral terms, extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time. By removing the toy, which could be reinforcing the undesired behavior (such as tantrums or attention-seeking), the individual may be less likely to engage in that behavior in the future as they no longer receive the reinforcement they previously enjoyed.

In contrast, the other options do not directly illustrate the concept of extinction aimed at reducing behaviors through reinforcement removal. Taking a client to the zoo is an unrelated activity that does not directly target behaviors. Discussing antecedents and behaviors may provide insight into behavior patterns but does not involve the process of extinction itself. Using negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus, which is different from extinction, as it still aims to increase a desired behavior rather than reduce an undesired one.