What must be done for a behavior to be considered under extinction?

For a behavior to be considered under extinction, it is essential that the reinforcement previously maintaining that behavior is discontinued. Extinction occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer results in the reinforcing outcomes that the individual has come to expect. This leads to a decrease in the likelihood of that behavior being emitted in the future as the individual learns that the reinforcement they once received is no longer available.

In situations where reinforcement is maintained, the behavior will likely continue or even increase in frequency. Discontinuing reinforcement is a critical component that allows practitioners and researchers to investigate how behaviors can change when they are no longer reinforced, which is foundational to behavior modification techniques.