What happens during extinction in operant conditioning?

During extinction in operant conditioning, reinforcement that was previously given for a behavior is no longer provided. This lack of reinforcement leads to a decrease in the frequency of that behavior over time. The process illustrates that behaviors are learned through the consequences they produce; when the expected positive outcome (reinforcement) is removed, the motivation to perform that behavior diminishes.

In contrast to other concepts, during extinction, the regular reinforcement schedule or the manipulation of behavior through punishment is not in play. Instead, the focal point is the cessation of reinforcement, which directly impacts the likelihood that the behavior will continue. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of extinction by emphasizing the lack of reinforcement as a critical factor in reducing behavior frequency.