Describe extinction as it pertains to ABA.

Extinction in the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specifically refers to the process of discontinuing reinforcement for a behavior that has previously been reinforced. When reinforcement is no longer provided, the frequency of that behavior is expected to decrease over time. This concept is foundational in behavior modification, as it enables practitioners to reduce unwanted behaviors by effectively withholding the consequences that previously maintained those behaviors.

For instance, if a child learns that throwing a tantrum results in receiving attention from a parent, eliminating attention in response to the tantrum would be an example of applying extinction. Over time, if the tantrum is no longer reinforced by attention, the child is less likely to engage in that behavior.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts that do not accurately define extinction in ABA. Introducing new reinforcers, ignoring behaviors, or reinforcing every behavior encountered do not align with the principle of extinction, which hinges specifically on the cessation of reinforcement for an already established behavior.