Differential Reinforcement

Full session DRL

(to reduce or eliminate problem behavior) reinforcement is delivered at the end of the session if the target behavior occurred at a number equal to or below a predetermined criterion.

DRD

(to reduce or eliminate problem behavior) same as full-session DRL or interval DRL, without specifying single or multiple intervals

Guidelines for using DRL

1. Collect baseline to determine criteria/intervals. 2. Gradually thin the DRL schedules.

Guidelines for using DRI/DRA

1. Select an alternate behavior already in the persons repertoire that will provide sufficient opportunities for reinforcement. If there is no alternate behavior, chose one that can be easily taught. 2. Select powerful reinforcers that can be delivered consistently. 3. Reinforce alternate beahaviors consistently and withhold reinforcement for problem behavior consistently. 4. Combine with other procedures.

Guidelines for using DRO

1. Set initial intervals of DRO that assure contact with reinforcement. 2. Don't inadvertently reinforce undesirable behaviors. 3. Gradually increase DRO interval. 4. Extend use of DRO to other settings/times of day. 5. Combine with other procedures

Differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (DRA)

DRA is an umbrella term that refers to reinforcement of behaviors that are appropriate alternatives to a target behavior. DRI (Incompatible) is a subtype of DRA in that the alternative behavior is incompatible with (or cannot be done at the same time as) the problem behavior. More recently emphasis has been placed on selecting alternative behaviors that serve the same function as the problem behavior. Often these are communicative (i.e., DRC) behaviors (e.g., "May I have a cookie," as the alternative to stealing cookies).

DRA/DRI are more effective than

DRO and have the same benefits of positive reinforcement

DRI/DRA enhance the effectiveness of

Extinction

Interval DRO

Fixed or variable; reinforcement is delivered at the end of the interval contingent on the absence of the problem behavior throughout the entire interval.

Momentary DRO

Fixed or variable; reinforcement is delivered contingent on the absence of the problem behavior when the interval ends, rather than throughout the whole interval.

DRC

Teaching a communicative response as an alternative to a problem behavior

Interval DRL

Used to reduce or eliminate problem behavior. reinforce at the end of each interval if target behavior occurred at or below the criterion

DRL or Spaced responding DRL

reinforcement is delivered following an occurrence of a response that is separated by at least a minimum amount of time from the previous response. (wants to increase interresponse time)

Differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO)

reinforcement is delivered when the behavior has not occurred during specific times. Reinforcement is provided for not responding. Easiest to use of DR procedures

Differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI)

reinforces a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with the problem behavior and withholds reinforcement following instances of the problem behavior.

Differential reinforcement

reinforcing one response class while withholding reinforcement for another response class.

Differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL)

used to reduce the occurrence of the behavior, but not get rid of it completely.