How is attention extinction best defined?

Attention extinction is best defined as deliberately ignoring a child's inappropriate behavior to reduce its occurrence. The premise behind this technique is that if attention (which can serve as a reinforcing mechanism) is withheld when a child engages in certain behaviors, those behaviors are less likely to continue over time. This method effectively breaks the cycle of reinforcement that may be maintaining the undesirable behavior.

In this context, when a child acts out to gain attention and that attention is consistently withheld, the behavior is likely to decrease. This approach is used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to help modify behavior by removing the reinforcement that the child has come to rely on for that specific behavior.

Other options do not accurately reflect the principles of attention extinction. For example, providing reinforcement for unwanted behaviors contradicts the idea of reducing a specific behavior. Rewarding a child for appropriate attention does not specifically relate to the concept of extinction, as it focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors rather than withholding attention. Finally, consistently withholding attention at all times, regardless of behavior, could lead to neglect or other negative consequences and is not a practical or ethical use of extinctions methods in behavior management.