What typically happens to a behavior when it is placed on extinction?

When a behavior is placed on extinction, it refers to the process of stopping reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior. This means that the consequences that used to maintain the behavior are no longer provided, and the result often is that the behavior may initially increase before it begins to diminish. This initial increase is known as an extinction burst, where the individual may engage in the behavior more intensely or frequently, as they may not immediately understand that the reinforcement has been removed. The behavior may reach heightened levels as the individual attempts to elicit the same response they received before.

Over time, as the behavior consistently receives no reinforcement, it will gradually decrease, and eventually may cease altogether. This pattern is important in behavior modification and therapeutic settings, as practitioners must anticipate this initial increase and be prepared to manage it appropriately.