What does "extinction" refer to in behavior modification?

In behavior modification, "extinction" specifically refers to the process of eliminating a behavior by withholding reinforcement that previously maintained that behavior. This principle is rooted in the understanding that when a behavior is no longer reinforced, the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future will diminish over time. This usually involves stopping the reinforcing consequences that were maintaining the undesired behavior, effectively leading the individual to stop engaging in that behavior.

For example, if a child has learned to throw tantrums to gain attention, and a parent decides to ignore these tantrums (withholding the attention), eventually the child may learn that tantrums no longer result in the desired outcome. Therefore, the behavior of throwing tantrums may decrease.

The other answer choices, while they address concepts related to behavior modification, do not accurately define extinction. Increasing a behavior through reinforcement involves different principles of operant conditioning, such as positive reinforcement. Tracking behaviors quantitatively relates to data collection and measurement, and implementing rewards pertains to reinforcing behaviors rather than extinguishing them. Therefore, the definition of extinction as withholding reinforcement is clearly a distinct and critical element of behavior modification strategies.