Lerman, D. C., & Iwata, B. A. (1996).
Developing a technology for the use of operant extinction in clinical settings: An examination of basic and applied research.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
29, 345-382.
Extinction of operant behavior, which involves terminating the
reinforcement contingency that maintains a response, is important
to the development, generalization, and reduction of behavior in
clinical settings. We review basic and applied research findings
on variables that influence the direct and indirect effects of
extinction and discuss the potential value of a general
technology for the use of extinction. We suggest that current
research findings are not sufficient for the development of a
comprehensive, applied technology of extinction and provide
extensive guidelines for further studies on factors that may
affect the course of extinction in clinical settings.
DESCRIPTORS: extinction, behavior disorders, reinforcement