An Extinction Burst refers to a temporary increase in the frequencyIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), frequency refers to the number of times a specific behavior occurs during a given observation period. This is a basic measurement that tracks how often a behavior h... More, intensity, or duration of a behavior when the reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral psychology. It refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior... More that previously maintained the behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organisms engage in, which can be observed, measured, and analyzed. It encompasses all interactions an organism has with its environment, inc... More is first removed. This occurs when a behavior that was once reinforced no longer receives the expected reinforcement, leading the individual to escalate the behavior in an attempt to regain that reinforcement before it eventually decreases.
Example:
A child throws tantrums to get a candy bar at the grocery store. The parent decides to implement extinctionExtinction is an effective technique used to reduce unwanted behaviors by removing the reinforcement that maintains them. Though the behavior may temporarily increase during the process (extinction bu... More by no longer giving the child candy when a tantrum occurs. Initially, the child may scream louder, cry harder, or even throw more frequent tantrums—this escalation is the extinction burst. If the parent continues to withhold reinforcement (the candy), the tantrums will eventually decrease over time.