Which extinction procedure reduces problem behavior maintained by sensory consequences by masking the sensory stimulation?

Which extinction procedure reduces problem behavior maintained by sensory consequences by masking the sensory stimulation?

• A. Sensory extinction
• B. Extinction
• C. Time-out
• D. Reinforcement

Answer: (A)

Extinction for automatically reinforced behavior works by masking the sensory consequences the behavior produces. Sensory extinction reduces the reinforcer value by blocking or dampening the internal stimulation, so the behavior is less likely to continue because the payoff is diminished. For example, if a behavior itself generates a soothing tactile sensation, strategies that block or reduce that sensory feedback lessen the reinforcement the behavior gets and it tends to decrease over time. This differs from general extinction, where you withhold reinforcement after the response without specifically addressing the sensory outcome. Time-out removes access to external reinforcement, not the internal sensory feedback, and reinforcement would increase the behavior rather than reduce it.

Extinction for automatically reinforced behavior works by masking the sensory consequences the behavior produces. Sensory extinction reduces the reinforcer value by blocking or dampening the internal stimulation, so the behavior is less likely to continue because the payoff is diminished. For example, if a behavior itself generates a soothing tactile sensation, strategies that block or reduce that sensory feedback lessen the reinforcement the behavior gets and it tends to decrease over time. This differs from general extinction, where you withhold reinforcement after the response without specifically addressing the sensory outcome. Time-out removes access to external reinforcement, not the internal sensory feedback, and reinforcement would increase the behavior rather than reduce it.