Isabel’s teacher purposely ignores Isabel’s behavior. Which of the following needs to be present in order for this to be considered extinction? A Isabel listens to the teacher B Isabel is obedient C The teacher’s attention was reinforcing Isabel’s behavior D Isabel’s behavior was annoying to her teacher
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: C) The teacher’s attention was reinforcing Isabel’s behavior
Explanation:
In behavior analysis, extinction refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a previously reinforced behavior by no longer providing the reinforcement that maintained it. In the scenario, Isabel’s teacher is deliberately ignoring her behavior. This strategy may be part of an extinction procedure, but certain conditions must be met for it to truly be considered extinction.
The key requirement is that the behavior being ignored was previously reinforced by the same consequence that is now being withheld. In this case, if the teacher’s attention was reinforcing Isabel’s behavior, then removing that attention (by ignoring her) is considered extinction.
Let’s break down why each answer choice matters:
- A) Isabel listens to the teacher – This tells us about Isabel’s behavior, but doesn’t relate to whether her behavior was previously reinforced.
- B) Isabel is obedient – Obedience is a positive trait but doesn’t determine if the teacher’s attention reinforced the behavior.
- C) The teacher’s attention was reinforcing Isabel’s behavior – This is essential. If attention was the reinforcer and it is now being withheld (by ignoring), then an extinction procedure is in place.
- D) Isabel’s behavior was annoying to her teacher – This might explain why the teacher ignores it, but annoyance is not the same as reinforcement. The teacher’s emotional response doesn’t determine if the behavior was maintained by reinforcement.
Summary:
For a strategy to qualify as extinction, the following must occur:
- A behavior was previously reinforced (e.g., Isabel’s behavior received attention).
- The reinforcement is now withheld (e.g., the teacher ignores the behavior).
- As a result, the behavior decreases over time.
Thus, the correct and necessary condition is:
C) The teacher’s attention was reinforcing Isabel’s behavior.