Applying Extinction to Modify Behavior: The Case of the Chef and the Exhaust Fan

QUESTION

When a chef cooks well-done steaks, it creates smoke. He turns on the exhaust fan, and the smoke is sucked out of the kitchen. He is now more likely to turn on the fan when he cooks well-done steaks. Describe how you could apply extinction

ANSWER

Applying Extinction to Modify Behavior: The Case of the Chef and the Exhaust Fan

Introduction

Extinction is a behavioral technique used to decrease or eliminate unwanted behaviors by removing the reinforcement that maintains them. This essay explores the concept of extinction and how it can be applied to modify behavior. To illustrate its application, we will consider the scenario of a chef who turns on the exhaust fan when cooking well-done steaks due to the resulting smoke. We will discuss how extinction can be implemented to reduce the chef’s reliance on the exhaust fan in such situations.

Understanding Extinction

Extinction is based on the principle of operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences. When a behavior no longer leads to the expected reinforcement, it gradually diminishes in frequency or intensity. Extinction involves withholding the reinforcer that previously reinforced the behavior, thereby weakening the association between the behavior and the desired outcome.

Application of Extinction to the Chef’s Behavior

In the given scenario, the chef has developed a behavior of turning on the exhaust fan when cooking well-done steaks due to the smoke generated. The smoke serves as an aversive stimulus, and the exhaust fan provides negative reinforcement by removing the smoke from the kitchen. As a result, the chef is more likely to repeat the behavior of turning on the fan in similar situations.

To apply extinction, the reinforcement that maintains the behavior (i.e., the removal of smoke) needs to be withheld consistently. The following steps can be taken to implement extinction effectively:

 Identify the target behavior: The target behavior is the chef’s tendency to turn on the exhaust fan when cooking well-done steaks.

Remove the reinforcement: In this case, the reinforcement is the removal of smoke from the kitchen. To apply extinction, the chef should intentionally refrain from turning on the exhaust fan when cooking well-done steaks, allowing the smoke to remain in the kitchen.

Consistency and persistence: Extinction requires consistency and persistence. The chef should refrain from using the exhaust fan each time he cooks well-done steaks to ensure a consistent absence of reinforcement. This process may take time as the chef’s behavior may initially increase in intensity before gradually decreasing.

 Provide alternative behaviors and reinforcement: Alongside extinction, it is important to provide alternative behaviors and reinforce them positively. For example, the chef can be encouraged to use alternative cooking techniques or adjust cooking times to minimize smoke generation. Reinforcing these alternative behaviors can facilitate the transition away from reliance on the exhaust fan.

Benefits and Considerations of Extinction

Applying extinction in this scenario offers several benefits. It promotes the chef’s adaptation to new cooking techniques, reduces reliance on the exhaust fan, and decreases the generation of smoke in the kitchen. Moreover, the chef’s behavior becomes more flexible and adaptable, allowing for experimentation and creativity in the culinary process.

However, it is important to consider potential challenges in the application of extinction. Initial frustration or an increase in the behavior may occur before the desired reduction takes place. It is crucial to maintain consistency in withholding the reinforcer and provide appropriate support to reinforce alternative behaviors throughout the process.

Conclusion

Extinction is a valuable tool in behavior modification, and its application can effectively reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors. In the case of the chef and the exhaust fan, implementing extinction involves consistently withholding the reinforcement of smoke removal, while simultaneously promoting alternative behaviors and positive reinforcement. By utilizing extinction techniques, the chef can gradually overcome the reliance on the exhaust fan, leading to improved cooking practices and a more pleasant kitchen environment.