Exploring the Dynamics of Extinction

Chapter 14 explores theories of extinction, defined as a decrease in the frequency or intensity of a response when it is no longer reinforced. Focusing on operant extinction, the chapter begins by explaining the utility of extinction in psychotherapy and behavior modification. It then discusses various phenomena associated with extinction, including extinction burst, extinction-induced variability of responses, and extinction-induced aggression. The chapter describes resistance to extinction, where animals continue to respond after extinction trials. It highlights how partial reinforcement leads to greater resistance to extinction, with Capaldi’s sequential theory explaining this effect. The chapter concludes by describing experiments that demonstrate several phenomena illustrating that extinction does not involve unlearning or erasing what was learned but rather signifies new learning. These phenomena include spontaneous recovery, renewal, reinstatement, and resurgence. The relevance of these phenomena to the treatment of psychological disorders such as phobias and substance use disorders is also addressed.