The spelling of "experimental extinction" is straightforward once the phonetic transcription is understood. The word is pronounced ɪkˌspɛrɪˈmɛntəl ɪksˈtɪŋ(k)ʃən. The first part, "experimental," is pronounced with the short "i" sound (ɪ) followed by the "k" sound (k), and the stress on the second syllable (ˌspɛrɪˈmɛntəl). The second part, "extinction," is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable as well (ɪksˈtɪŋ(k)ʃən), with a silent "c" (k) at the end. The spelling reflects the sounds in the word, making it clear and unambiguous.
Experimental extinction refers to a procedure employed in psychology and behavioral sciences to investigate the effects of the removal or non-reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior. It involves systematically withholding the consequences or rewards that were previously associated with a particular behavior. The purpose of experimental extinction is to study how an organism or individual reacts when an expected reward or reinforcement is eliminated, leading to a decrease or extinction of the behavior that was previously reinforced.
This experimental paradigm involves repeatedly presenting the stimulus that previously evoked the behavior, but without providing the expected reinforcement. By doing so, researchers aim to observe and analyze how the organism or individual responds to this change in the reinforcement schedule. In the absence of reinforcement, the behavior under investigation may gradually diminish, becoming less frequent, less intense, or even disappearing entirely as the individual realizes that the previously reinforced behavior no longer leads to the desired outcome.
Experimental extinction provides valuable insights into the learning and conditioning processes in both humans and animals. By manipulating and studying the consequences associated with specific behaviors, researchers gain a better understanding of how behaviors are acquired, maintained, and eliminated. Furthermore, this paradigm assists in studying the role of reinforcement and the impact of removing or altering the expected outcomes on behavior, which has practical applications in areas such as therapy, behavior modification, and education.