What is defined as withholding a functional reinforcer when a behavior occurs?

• A. Reinforcement
• B. Extinction
• C. Behavioral inhibition
• D. Punishment

Answer: (B)

Withholding a functional reinforcer when a behavior occurs is correctly defined as extinction. In behavior analysis, extinction refers specifically to the process where a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in the frequency of that behavior over time.

When a behavior that was previously followed by a reinforcer no longer results in that reinforcer, individuals may initially increase the frequency of the behavior in an attempt to obtain the reinforcer, a phenomenon known as an extinction burst. Over time, however, as the behavior continues to be unreinforced, it tends to diminish or extinguish.

Reinforcement involves the provision of a stimulus after a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Behavioral inhibition usually refers to a decrease in the frequency of a certain behavior due to internal or external constraints, rather than the removal of reinforcement. Punishment, meanwhile, entails presenting a negative consequence following a behavior to reduce its occurrence, which is different from the concept of withholding reinforcement.