Extinction is a way to get rid of undesired behavior (Evans 1968). Thismethod may bedifficult to use because it takes a long time to be effective, and the behaviorcontinues while phasing out. During extinction, the experimentor is withholdingall reinforcements. The effects of extinction are more permanent than those ofpunishment (Nye 1992). Sometimes a behavior may briefly reoccur when thatbehavior appears to have been eliminated through the use of extinction, thistemporary reappearance of the initial behavior is called spontaneous recovery.

Examples

1. In the Skinner Box - when no food appears when the lever ispressed, gradually the rats responses will stop (extinction). After a time of not pressingthe lever, the rat will press it (spontaneous recovery) then discontinue thebehavior again when it receives no reward.

2. The teacher praises Sam every time he completes his homework and heincreases the amount of times he completes his homework (reinforcement). Thenthe teacher stops praising Sam for his homework and eventually Sam stops doinghis homework (extinction). He may do his homework one day (spontaneousrecovery) not receive any reward and stop doing homework again(extinction).