Sarah presses her mouse button while using her computer but nothing happens (the mouse is broken).Sarah presses the mouse button longer and harder before eventually giving up.Sarah's behavior of temporarily pressing the mouse button longer and harder before giving up is an example of a(an):
A) contingency
B) establishing operation
C) novel behavior
D) extinction burst

Question

Sarah presses her mouse button while using her computer but nothing happens (the mouse is broken).Sarah presses the mouse button longer and harder before eventually giving up.Sarah's behavior of temporarily pressing the mouse button longer and harder before giving up is an example of a(an):​
A) ​contingency
B) ​establishing operation
C) ​novel behavior
D) ​extinction burst

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sarah's behavior of pressing the mouse button longer and harder before giving up is an example of an extinction burst. This is because she is exhibiting a higher frequency and intensity of the behavior that has previously been reinforced (pressing the mouse button) in an attempt to receive the reinforcement it once provided (i.e. an action on the computer). However, since the mouse is broken, the behavior will eventually extinguish as it no longer produces the desired consequence.

Sarah Presses Her Mouse Button While Using Her Computer but Nothing