Extinction

Definition

In psychology, extinction refers to the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response. This occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Related terms

Unconditioned Stimulus:

This is something that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any learning needed. For example, food can be an unconditioned stimulus if it leads to salivation.

Conditioned Response:

This is a learned reaction or behavior caused by a conditioned stimulus. For instance, if every time you hear your alarm clock (a conditioned stimulus), you feel stressed (a conditioned response).

Operant Conditioning:

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences. Positive reinforcement encourages certain behaviors with rewards while negative reinforcement discourages them with punishments.