Final answer:
Extinction is the gradual elimination of behavior following the removal of reinforcement contingencies in operant conditioning. option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gradual elimination of behavior following the removal of reinforcement contingencies is called extinction. In operant conditioning, extinction occurs when a reinforced behavior decreases or stops occurring after the reinforcement is no longer provided. It is the process of unlearning a behavior that was previously reinforced. For example, if a student always earns a reward for completing their homework but suddenly the reward is no longer given, the student's motivation to complete their homework may decrease over time, leading to the extinction of the behavior.