What is the main goal of Extinction in behavior modification?

The main goal of extinction in behavior modification is to reduce undesirable behavior by withholding reinforcement. In behavior modification, extinction refers to removing the reinforcing consequences that maintain a specific behavior. When a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer receives reinforcement, it is likely to decrease over time. This process helps in reducing unwanted behaviors by making it clear that such behaviors will not produce the desired outcomes or rewards.

For example, if a child throws a tantrum to gain attention and the parent stops responding to the tantrum, the child may eventually stop throwing tantrums because they learn that this behavior no longer results in the attention they seek. By systematically withdrawing reinforcement, behavior modification aims to encourage more desirable behaviors to take their place.

The other options focus on aspects such as reinforcing good behavior, encouraging competition, or providing feedback, but they do not pertain directly to the specific mechanism of extinction, which is solely about withholding reinforcement to diminish a behavior.