ABSTRACT
The extinction process may involve extinction bursts-initial increases in the response frequency, magnitude, or intensity, especially if that response has an "emotional" or aggressive component. Extinction bursts and spontaneous recovery are two reasons behavior analysts are often reluctant to recommend extinction as an intervention for parents or teachers dealing with serious behavior problems. It's often too difficult to ignore the behavior of interest, especially during an extinction burst. Both extinction and negative punishment involve a decrease in the frequency of the response because of the lack of the reinforcer. In extinction, the frequency of her swearing would have no effect on the availability of the reinforcer, Uncle Sid’s attention. Lynn’s problem behaviors decreased when the behavior analysts used the time-out procedure. The behavior analysts also described various possible interventions, with their risks and benefits. Then they explained that the parents could ask the behavior analysts to stop the intervention anytime they wished.
