Compare differential reinforcement of alternative behavior, incompatible behavior, low rates and other behavior. Worked examples show how the exact reinforcement criterion in the approved plan determines which procedure applies.
Differential reinforcement procedures differ in what qualifies for reinforcement: an alternative, an incompatible response, a lower rate, or absence of the target behavior.
The four names are differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI), differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior (DRL), and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). Identify the exact earning criterion in the approved plan. In DRO, earning depends on absence of the target behavior during the specified interval or check.
Key terms
DRA
Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior.
DRI
Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior.
DRL
Differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior.
DRO
Differential reinforcement of other behavior: reinforcement depends on absence of the target during the specified interval or check.
What to look for
Distinction
Look for
How to decide
DRA
A specified alternative response
Reinforce that replacement response.
DRI
A response physically incompatible with the target
Verify that the defined actions are physically incompatible.
DRL
A permitted lower rate of the target response
The goal allows some responding.
DRO
No target response during the specified interval or check
Apply the specified target-absence criterion.
Worked examples
DRA and DRI
Check physical incompatibility
One plan provides help when a learner says “Help, please,” as an alternative to tapping the adult. The learner could speak and tap simultaneously. Another plan reinforces carrying a tray with both hands as an alternative to hand-clapping during a designated activity; that hand position prevents clapping.
Relevant facts
The help request provides an alternative response and can occur alongside tapping.
Both hands carrying the tray cannot clap simultaneously.
The first illustrates DRA; the second illustrates the incompatible-response form, DRI.
Alternative response versus physically incompatible response
DRI reinforces an alternative response that is physically incompatible with the target. Check the defined actions to establish that relation.
DRL and DRO
Some versus none
In one approved plan, a point is earned for no more than two nonurgent interruptions during a ten-minute discussion. In another, a point is earned only if there are zero occurrences throughout the ten minutes. Necessary safety communication is outside the target definition.
Relevant facts
The first criterion permits one or two target responses.
The second requires complete absence during the interval.
First: DRL. Second: whole-interval DRO.
At most 2 versus exactly 0 target occurrences
DRL permits the specified lower rate. DRO in this example requires zero target occurrences throughout the interval.
What changes the answer?
Keep the ten-minute interval and one target interruption.
Exactly one target occurrence is recorded.
The written criterion allows up to two.
The DRL criterion is met.
One is within the permitted limit.
The written criterion requires zero.
The occurrence exceeds the DRO allowance of zero.
Any target occurrence breaks this criterion.
A changed earning rule changes the decision even with identical behavior.
Remember
Alternative, incompatible, lower rate, or absence: read the criterion.
Apply the earning criterion of the assigned differential reinforcement plan.