Essential Reading
The following article from Aubrey Daniels International, written by Dr. Andy Lattal, provides a concise introduction to the concept of extinction and its practical applications in behavior analysis:
Extinction 101 | Aubrey Daniels International
Extinction is a critical concept to understand, particularly how it differs from punishment and when it is appropriate to use in behavior interventions. This reading will support your understanding of the lesson material on extinction procedures.
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. This helps reinforce your understanding of extinction by engaging with guided prompts and scenarios.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading task and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words (about 5–7 sentences minimum)
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
You’ll receive an email copy of your reflection to aid your RBT exam preparation.
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarise Key Concepts: What did you learn about extinction in ABA?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain extinction to someone unfamiliar with ABA?
- Importance and Connections: Why is understanding extinction important in behavior support?
- Practical Applications: How might you apply extinction in your future work?
- Insights: What part of the reading or conversation with FRED was surprising or new to you?
Example Reflection:
Before this lesson, I thought extinction just meant ignoring behavior. Now I understand that it specifically means withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, and that over time, the behavior decreases. I was surprised to learn that extinction isn’t the same as punishment, even though some people confuse the two. What stood out most was the idea of the extinction burst — where behavior might get worse before it gets better. That makes me think about how important it is to explain this to families so they don’t give up too soon. I can see how carefully planned extinction strategies could help reduce challenging behavior while still being ethical and positive.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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