1. Differential Reinforcement
Chapter 15
Differential Reinforcement

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. How to choose reinforcers
Ask
Observe
Test

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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