What happens to previously reinforced behaviors when extinction is implemented?

When extinction is implemented, it refers to the process of discontinuing reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior. As a result, individuals often exhibit a decrease in the frequency of that behavior over time. This occurs because the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior is no longer available, leading to a reduction in that behavior's occurrence.

The initial response to extinction may show a temporary increase in the behavior, known as an extinction burst, where the individual may engage more intensely in the behavior for a short period before it begins to decline. However, the long-term trend following the implementation of extinction is a decrease in the frequency of the behavior, as the individual learns that the behavior no longer results in reinforcement. This understanding connects strongly to the principles of behavior analysis, where reinforcement influences behavior frequency.