Extinction

Definition

Extinction in classical conditioning refers to the process by which a conditioned response decreases or disappears when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus. In simpler terms, it happens when a behavior that was once learned through repeated association stops occurring because the connection between the trigger and the outcome is broken.

Example

A dog has been trained to associate the sound of a bell (conditioned stimulus) with being fed (unconditioned stimulus). Every time you ring the bell, your dog starts salivating in anticipation of food. This salivation is the conditioned response. Now, if you stop giving your dog food after ringing the bell and continue to ring the bell without providing any food, over time, the dog will stop salivating when it hears the bell. This decrease in salivation is an example of extinction.

Why it Matters

Extinction matters because it demonstrates how learned behaviors can be reduced or eliminated by changing the environment or breaking associations. Understanding extinction helps us modify unwanted behaviors in humans and animals, such as reducing fears, phobias, or addictive tendencies. For instance, if someone fears flying due to a past traumatic experience (conditioned stimulus), repeated exposure to flying without negative outcomes (extinction) can reduce their fear over time. This concept is fundamental in behavior therapy and helps improve our ability to shape and change behaviors effectively.

See Also

• Classical Conditioning