All of the following are true about extinction EXCEPT
A) it occurs when behaviour is no longer reinforced.
B) it is different from forgetting.
C) it is adaptive because continuing to perform a behaviour that is no longer reinforced wastes energy.
D) it will sometimes occur when a behaviour has not been rehearsed for a long time.
E) it is not the same as punishment because in punishment the response is actively deterred.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Extinction in the context of behavior refers to the process where a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in the occurrence of that behavior. It is distinct from forgetting, which occurs simply due to the passage of time and lack of rehearsal. Extinction is indeed different from punishment; in punishment, a behavior is followed by an adverse consequence to reduce its occurrence, whereas in extinction, the reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior is simply removed. Extinction can be adaptive as it stops the expenditure of energy on behaviors that no longer yield benefits. The statement that extinction will sometimes occur when a behavior has not been rehearsed for a long time confuses the concept of extinction with forgetting, making it the incorrect choice.

All of the Following Are True About Extinction EXCEPT