What is the term for the process by which a previously reinforced behavior is weakened by withholding reinforcement?

The term for the process by which a previously reinforced behavior is weakened by withholding reinforcement is extinction. In the context of behavior analysis, extinction occurs when a behavior that has been consistently reinforced is no longer followed by the reinforcement. This leads to a decrease in the frequency of that behavior over time.

For example, if a child receives praise (the reinforcement) for cleaning their room but eventually the praise is stopped, the likelihood of the child cleaning their room may diminish because the motivating factor (the reinforcement of praise) is no longer present. Recognizing this process is crucial for behavior analysts and practitioners, as it underscores the importance of reinforcement in maintaining behaviors.

The other terms illustrate different concepts within behavior analysis. Contiguity refers to the temporal relationship between a behavior and its consequences, while contingency outlines the relationship between a behavior and its corresponding consequences or reinforcers. Punishment involves applying an aversive stimulus or removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, but it does not specifically refer to withholding reinforcement, which is the key characteristic of extinction. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effectively applying behavioral principles in practice.