Differential Reinforcement Overview

Key Concepts

• Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing certain behaviors while putting others on extinction.
  • Leads to discrimination and differentiation.

Types of Differential Reinforcement

1. DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors)

• Focus: Behavior not occurring at all.
• Reinforcement is delivered if the target behavior (e.g., screaming) is absent for a certain period.
• Does not teach a replacement behavior.
• Useful for dangerous or high-rate behaviors.
• Example: Praising a child for not throwing food.

2. DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors)

• Reinforce a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with the target behavior.
• Teaches a replacement behavior.
• Example: Reinforcing sitting down to reduce standing out of a chair.

3. DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors)

• Reinforce a replacement behavior that can occur alongside the target behavior.
• Example: Acknowledging a child saying "excuse me" instead of pulling on a shirt.

4. DRH (Differential Reinforcement of Higher Rates)

• Increase the frequency of a behavior within a set time.
• Does not teach a replacement behavior.
• Example: Reinforcing more math problems solved within a time period.

5. DRD (Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates)

• Decrease the frequency of a behavior gradually over time.
• Example: Allowing a limited number of questions during a road trip.

6. DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Lower Rates)

• Aim to lower the rate but not eliminate the behavior.
• Can use amount with a time criterion or IRT (Inter-Response Time).
• Example: Reducing the frequency of hand-raising in class.

Strategy for Exam Questions

• DRO: Check if reinforcement is for behavior absence.
• DRI & DRA: Check if a replacement behavior is taught, and if it can occur with the old behavior.
• DRH: Target increasing behavior.
• DRD & DRL: Target behavior decrease, but DRL doesn’t aim to eliminate.

Summary

• Reinforcing a target behavior while putting others on extinction.
• Understand the categories and their application for effective exam preparation.
• Practice differentiation for clarity in scenarios.