Concepts · Domain G
Extinction vs. punishment
The difference in short
Extinction and punishment reduce behavior through different mechanisms. In extinction, you stop delivering the reinforcer that maintained the behavior. In punishment, you add or remove a new stimulus that reduces it. Removing what maintained it vs. applying a new consequence.
Quick comparison
| Extinction | Punishment | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Discontinues the reinforcer that maintained the behavior | Adds or removes a stimulus that reduces the behavior |
| Effect | ↓ Behavior decreases | ↓ Behavior decreases |
| Example | Stop giving attention to a tantrum that sought attention. | Getting a fine for speeding. |
How to tell them apart
- Do you stop DELIVERING the reinforcer that maintained it (extinction) or apply a NEW consequence that reduces it (punishment)?
Examples
Extinction
Stop giving attention to a tantrum that sought attention.
Punishment
Getting a fine for speeding.
Frequently asked
Is ignoring a behavior always extinction?
Only if attention was the reinforcer maintaining it. If the behavior was maintained by escape or something tangible, ignoring isn't extinction of that function.
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