Differential Reinforcement in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Overview

• Goal: Simplify understanding of ABA concepts.
• Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing certain behaviors while putting others on extinction.
• Leads to discrimination and differentiation among behaviors.

Types of Differential Reinforcement

1. DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors)

• Focus: Behavior not occurring at all.
• Reinforcement: Delivered when target behavior (e.g., screaming) is absent.
• Key: Absence of a specific behavior.
• Characteristics: Does not teach a replacement behavior.
• Use Case: High rate or dangerous behaviors needing immediate decrease.
• Example: Praising a child for not throwing food at the table.

2. DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors)

• Focus: Incompatible behaviors cannot occur together.
• Replacement Behavior: Must be incompatible with target behavior.
• Example: Reinforcing sitting down when the target behavior to decrease is standing up.
• Use Case: Safety concerns, like preventing a child from sitting dangerously.

3. DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors)

• Focus: Replacement behavior can occur simultaneously with the target behavior.
• Example: Acknowledging a child when they say "excuse me" instead of pulling on a shirt.
• Use Case: Teaching alternative behaviors.

4. DRH (Differential Reinforcement of Higher Rates)

• Focus: Increasing the rate of a behavior.
• Method: Systematically reinforce behavior above a set amount in a given time.
• Example: Completing more math problems within a time frame.

5. DRD (Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates)

• Focus: Gradually decreasing the rate of a behavior.
• Method: Reinforce behavior happening less than a set amount.
• Example: Limiting the number of questions asked during a road trip.

6. DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Lower Rates)

• Focus: Lowering but not eliminating the rate of a behavior.
• Method: Use time-based criteria (IRT) to slow down behaviors.
• Example: Reducing the frequency of hand-raising without eliminating it.

Key Questions for Differential Reinforcement

• Is the reinforcement for a behavior not occurring?
  • If yes, likely DRO.
• Am I teaching a replacement behavior?
  • If yes, determine if DRI (incompatible) or DRA (alternative) applies.
• Is the focus on changing the rate of behavior?
  • If increasing: DRH.
  • If decreasing but not eliminating: DRL or DRD.

Study Strategy

• Break down concepts: Simplify and categorize different types of differential reinforcement.
• Practice: Drill questions to ensure concept mastery, especially for exams.

Resources

• Study Materials: RBT Exam Review, BCBA Study.
• Practice: Continual learning and application ensure better understanding and performance in exams.