Differential Reinforcement Chapter 15 Differential Reinforcement

Types of Differential Reinforcement DRA (differential reinforcement of alternative behavior) DRO (differential reinforcement of other behavior) DRL (differential reinforcement of low rates of responding)

DRA - Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Reinforcer is delivered for desirable behavior Extinction for the problem behavior

Variations of DRA DRI = Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior DRC = Differential reinforcement of communication (functional communication training)

Examples of DRA A child’s good table manners are reinforced with praise and by passing the requested food. The child’s bad table manners are extinguished by ignoring and not passing food. Punching the correct code numbers in the ATM is reinforced with cash. Punching the wrong numbers in the ATM is extinguished by getting no cash. Reinforce playing or sharing to replace fighting in children. Reinforce lying quietly in the dentists chair to replace disruptive behavior. Reinforce an assertive response to replace aggressive behavior.

When to Use DRA 1. You want to increase a desirable behavior and/or decrease undesirable behaviors. 2. The desirable behavior already occurs at least occasionally. 3. You have a reinforcer you can use.

Using DRA 1. Define the target behavior to increase and the undesirable competing behavior(s) to decrease 2. Identify the reinforcer for the problem behavior 3. Choose a reinforcer for the desirable behavior 4. Reinforce desirable behavior immediately and consistently - prompt the desirable behavior if necessary - the desirable behavior should require less response effort than the problem behavior 5. Eliminate (or minimize) the reinforcer for the undesirable behavior(s) 6. Use intermittent reinforcement for maintenance

Considerations in the Use of DRA Consider establishing operations to make the reinforcer more potent Consider the use of rules or instructions Fade artificial reinforcers to natural reinforcers to help maintain the behavior Consider using the Premack principle

How to choose reinforcers Ask Observe Test

Differential Negative Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Desirable behavior produces escape or avoidance of aversive stimulus Undesirable behavior does not produce escape/avoidance

DRO - Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior Also called differential reinforcement of zero rate of behavior Reinforcer is delivered for the absence of the problem behavior in intervals of time Intervals are chosen based on the baseline level of the problem behavior Extinction for the occurrence of the problem behavior If the problem behavior occurs, the interval is reset

Examples of DRO Attention delivered every 15 sec without SIB Breaks from academic tasks delivered every 20 minutes for the absence of problem behaviors Access to a favorite toy given each ½ hour for the absence of fighting with siblings

Whole Interval vs Momentary DRO Whole interval DRO - the problem must be absent for the whole interval for reinforcement (referred to simply as DRO) Momentary DRO - the problem must be absent at the end of the interval for reinforcement

Implementing DRO 1. Identify the reinforcer for the problem behavior 2. Identify the reinforcer to use in DRO 3. Choose the DRO interval 4. Use extinction for the problem behavior (or minimize the reinforcement for the problem) 5. Deliver the reinforcer for the absence of the problem behavior in each interval 6. The occurrence of the problem behavior resets the interval for delivery of the reinforcer 7. Gradually increase the DRO interval 8. Use instructions when applicable

DRL - Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding Used to get a behavior to occur less (not necessarily to eliminate the behavior) Two types of DRL - Full session DRL - Spaced responding DRL

Full Session DRL The reinforcer is delivered when fewer than a specified number of responses occurs per time period (session) The reinforcer is delivered at the end of the session The timing of responses in the session is not important

Spaced Responding DRL The reinforcer is delivered for a response when it is separated from the previous response by a specified interval of time If a response occurs before the end of the interval, the interval is reset Individual responses are reinforced when the IRT is greater than X The timing of responses is important

Examples of DRL Full session DRL Reward given for smoking fewer than 5 cigarettes per day Dessert given if the child gets up from the table fewer than 3 times during supper Spaced responding DRL Child called on to answer in class only if it has been 10 minutes since he last raised his hand Person with MR allowed to take a bite of food only if 15 sec since last bite of food

Implementing DRL 1. Is DRL the appropriate procedure? - Do you want to decrease but not eliminate the behavior? 2. Determine the acceptable level of the behavior 3. Decide on full session DRL or spaced responding DRL 4. Inform the client of the criterion for reinforcement 5. Use a procedure to give the client feedback on number of responses or timing of responses 6. Use intermediate goals if necessary

Comparing DRO and Spaced Responding DRL DRO - at the end of the interval, the reinforcer is delivered for the absence of the behavior DRL - at the end of the interval, the reinforcer is delivered for the first response In DRO and DRL, a response before the end of the interval resets the interval