What is the process of weakening a behavior by ignoring it or removing a desired consequence?

The process of weakening a behavior by ignoring it or removing a desired consequence is known as extinction. This concept is rooted in behavioral psychology, specifically in operant conditioning. When a behavior is no longer reinforced—whether by withholding a reward that previously followed the behavior or by not responding at all to the behavior—it tends to diminish over time.

In practice, extinction occurs when the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior is eliminated. For instance, if a child stops throwing tantrums for attention because the parents decide to ignore such behavior, the tantrums may eventually decrease. This approach contrasts with other methods like punishment or reinforcement. In punishment, a negative consequence is introduced to decrease the likelihood of a behavior, while reinforcement (both negative and positive) serves to increase the likelihood of a behavior by introducing or removing a stimulus following the behavior.

Understanding extinction is vital in managing behaviors effectively, as it highlights the importance of consistent responses in behavioral training and development.