What does extinction refer to in behavioral psychology?

Extinction in behavioral psychology specifically refers to the process where a conditioned response decreases or disappears when the reinforcement is no longer provided. In simpler terms, when a behavior that has been previously reinforced is no longer rewarded, the individual gradually stops engaging in that behavior.

For example, if a dog has been trained to sit for a treat, but over time the treat is no longer given when the dog sits, the dog will eventually stop sitting in anticipation of the treat. This unassociation between the behavior (sitting) and the response (receiving a treat) aligns perfectly with the concept of extinction, making it the correct choice in this context.

This process is significant in behavioral psychology as it highlights how behaviors are maintained through reinforcement and how the removal of that reinforcement can lead to a decline in those behaviors. Understanding this principle can be crucial for various applications, such as therapy, education, and animal training.