AAMC FL Practice Exam

What occurs when a learned behavior is no longer reinforced?

1. The behavior is enhanced

2. The behavior persists indefinitely

3. The behavior disappears

4. The behavior changes to another learned behavior

The correct answer is: The behavior disappears

When a learned behavior is no longer reinforced, it tends to disappear over time. This phenomenon is known as extinction in behavioral psychology. Extinction occurs when the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior is withdrawn, leading to a decrease in the occurrence of that behavior. For example, if a child is trained to say "please" when asking for something, but the parents stop reinforcing this behavior (by not responding when the child uses the word or by giving them what they want regardless), the child may eventually stop using "please" altogether. This reflects the idea that behaviors are sustained by the reinforcements that follow them; when those reinforcements are removed, the learned behavior diminishes and can eventually fade away. This understanding also underscores concepts in behavioral modification and conditioning, illustrating how consistent reinforcement is crucial for maintaining a behavior over time. Other outcomes, such as enhancement, indefinite persistence, or a shift to another learned behavior, are less typical in this context and do not accurately describe the process that occurs when reinforcement is no longer provided.