Which technique in Behavior Modification involves ignoring undesirable behavior altogether?
A.
Shaping and Chaining
B.
Extinction
C.
Fading
D.
Token Economy
Correct answer is:
B. Extinction
Explanation:
The correct answer is Extinction because this behavioral technique involves withholding the reinforcement that keeps a specific behavior alive, eventually causing it to stop.
- Extinction: This is the correct choice. In behavior modification, if a student misbehaves to get attention, planned ignoring (extinction) removes that reward. Without the reinforcing attention, the frequency of the behavior typically declines over time, though it may temporarily spike first (an extinction burst).
- Incorrect Options:
- Shaping and Chaining: This is incorrect. These techniques involve reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior or linking simple steps together to teach a complex task.
- Fading: This is incorrect. Fading is the gradual removal of a prompt or support as the student masters a skill independently.
- Token Economy: This is incorrect. This is a system where positive behaviors are actively reinforced with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards.