Extinction is based on the principal of

KGMU 2024

Applied Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

Extinction is a core principle within the framework of learning theories, specifically conditioning.
It describes the process where a conditioned response gradually weakens and disappears.
In classical conditioning, this happens when the conditioned stimulus (e.g., bell) is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food).
In operant conditioning, it occurs when a behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement, leading to its decline.

Option A: Motivation is the internal drive or reason for a behavior, not the process of unlearning it. A lack of motivation might prevent a behavior, but extinction is the specific process of a learned response fading due to lack of reinforcement.
Option C: Information-processing is a cognitive theory that likens the human mind to a computer, focusing on encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. It is a different theoretical model from the behavioral principles of conditioning.
Option D: Imitation is the basis of observational learning (Social Learning Theory), where learning occurs by watching others. Extinction is about the consequences of one's own behavior or stimulus pairings, not copying others.

Visual 1: Diagram - A flowchart illustrating extinction in classical conditioning. It would show the initial pairing of CS (bell) + US (food) leading to CR (salivation), followed by repeated presentation of the CS (bell) alone, leading to the disappearance of the CR.
Visual 2: Graph - A line graph showing the rate of an operant response (e.g., a rat pressing a lever) during reinforcement and then during extinction. The line would be high during reinforcement and then show a steep decline when reinforcement stops.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Principles of Learning and Behavior Modification as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The principle of extinction is the foundation for many effective psychotherapies, particularly for anxiety disorders.
Exposure therapy, used for phobias, PTSD, and OCD, is a direct application of extinction. The patient is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation (the conditioned stimulus) without the expected negative outcome, which leads to the fear response (the conditioned response) diminishing over time.
What if? - If a patient undergoing exposure therapy for a spider phobia avoids the sessions or uses safety behaviors (like looking away), the extinction process will be incomplete or ineffective, and the phobia will likely persist. Consistent exposure without avoidance is crucial for extinction to occur.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Extinction'.
Recall the definition of extinction from psychological learning theories. It refers to the fading of a learned response.
Consider the major learning theories associated with this concept. Extinction is a central feature of both classical and operant conditioning.
Evaluate each option: 'Motivation' is a drive, 'Information-processing' is a cognitive memory model, and 'Imitation' is for observational learning.
Conclude that 'Conditioning' is the broad principle under which the phenomenon of extinction is explained and studied.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q-3wppnH6at8moyiO0cwCf