Extinction

A fundamental principle discovered by Pavlov and Skinner. When a conditioned response is no longer reinforced, it gradually weakens and disappears. Pavlov: Ringing the bell without food eventually stops the drooling. Skinner: Pressing a lever with no food pellet stops the pressing. Real-world applications: - Ignoring a child's tantrum reduces tantrums - Removing attention for attention-seeking behavior Caution: 'Extinction Burst' - behavior may temporarily intensify before it stops.