Posted by KaraS on November 22, 2004, at 17:05:21
In reply to Extinction of behavior, posted by gardenergirl on November 21, 2004, at 13:15:56
> Hi,
> I just wanted to say a couple things about how ignoring a behavior can make it go away eventually. In behavioral terms, that is true, and it's often a good way to deal with problem behaviors. But a note of caution... In the process, the behavior can, and often does increase for a time before it goes away. This is called an extinction burst. It can lead to frustration and to giving up the behavioral "plan" to ignore behavior because it seems like it isn't working. But if the ignoring or not reinforcing of a behavior continues, eventually the behavior does stop.
>
> Just thought I'd drop some theory in. I'll turn the lectern over to someone else now. :-)
>
> gg
Good point! Reminds me of the Her....imer (?) effect where the dying off microbes make more trouble for a while as they release their toxins before they finally expire.K
poster:KaraS
thread:417968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041122/msgs/419054.html