Experimental Extinction (Noun)
Meaning
A conditioning process in which the reinforcer is removed and a conditioned response becomes independent of the conditioned stimulus.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Experimental extinction is often demonstrated in Pavlov's classical conditioning model where the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without any unconditioned stimulus.
- In experimental extinction, repeated exposure to the conditioned stimulus in the absence of the reinforcer causes a decline in the conditioned response.
- One of the concerns in experimental extinction is that spontaneous recovery of the conditioned response can still occur after extended periods of non-exposure.
- Through experimental extinction, researchers can analyze the extent of learning and memory dependent on the presence of a conditioned stimulus.
- By systematically repeating the conditioned stimulus without the reinforcer in experimental extinction, the associated conditioned response can eventually diminish and become extinct.