What occurs during the process of extinction in behavioral terms?

In behavioral terms, extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced. When reinforcement is removed consistently following the behavior, the individual is likely to stop engaging in that behavior over time. This process is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped and maintained by their consequences.

When a behavior that was once rewarded no longer results in the expected positive outcome (reinforcement), the motivation to perform that behavior diminishes. For example, if a child receives praise for sharing toys but then no longer receives praise for this behavior, the likelihood of the child sharing may decrease.

The other choices do not describe extinction correctly. Introducing a new behavior (as suggested in one of the choices) pertains to shaping or teaching, while increasing the frequency of reinforcement (another choice) involves strengthening a behavior rather than extinguishing it. Ignoring all behaviors does not specifically address the process of extinction, as it is focused only on removing reinforcement for a particular behavior, rather than applying to all behaviors indiscriminately.