What does extinction aim to achieve with previously reinforced behaviors?

Extinction is a behavioral concept used in applied behavior analysis to reduce the occurrence of a previously reinforced behavior. When a behavior that has been reinforced is no longer followed by the reinforcing consequence, the strength of that behavior decreases over time. This process is based on the principle that behaviors are more likely to be repeated if they are followed by positive outcomes or reinforcements.

By withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior, extinction aims to decrease the chances that the behavior will occur in the future. It's important to note that while extinction can significantly reduce a behavior's frequency, it does not simply eliminate all behaviors. Instead, it specifically targets behaviors that were once reinforced, guiding them toward less recognition in the future.