What phenomenon occurs when a previously reinforced behavior dramatically increases after reinforcement stops?

The phenomenon referred to in this scenario involves a sudden increase in a previously reinforced behavior when reinforcement has ceased, and this is known as an extinctive burst. After reinforcement is stopped, the individual may temporarily increase the frequency of the behavior in an attempt to elicit the reinforcement that is no longer available. This occurs because the individual is conditioned to expect rewards for that behavior, and the cessation of reinforcement leads to frustration or confusion, prompting a heightened effort to obtain the reward.

The concept of an extinctive burst is an important aspect of operant conditioning, illustrating the relationship between reinforcement and behavior. Understanding this phenomenon can help recognize patterns in behavior change and the impact of reinforcement schedules in behavioral psychology.

The other terms in the context provided do not specifically describe this behavior increase following the cessation of reinforcement. Increased motivation might refer to a general rise in the desire to perform behaviors due to external or internal factors, but it doesn't specifically connect to the stopping of reinforcement. Behavioral spike isn't a widely recognized term in behavior analysis. Lastly, operant escalation suggests a progression in behavior intensity rather than the abrupt increase seen in an extinctive burst, which is specifically related to the sudden response to a lack of reinforcement.