Differential Reinforcement

Differential reinforcement is a technique that is used to increase desirable behaviors

and reduce undesirable behaviors. There are two main characteristics of differential

reinforcement, which include reinforcing the desirable behavior and withholding

reinforcement of the undesirable behavior.

Differential reinforcement is often used with children; however, it can be used with

people of all ages and in various situations. This technique may be used by parents, teachers,

therapists, and even employers.

Differential reinforcement is often used to reduce difficult behaviors, such as disruptive

behaviour, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, pica, and thumb sucking.

Types

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)

DRA reinforces a pre-determined target behavior that is an alternative to the unwanted

behaviour.

The simplest example of this would be a teacher trying to teach a student to raise their

hand before talking in class. Student raising their hand before speaking is an

appropriate alternative behavior to simply speaking out.

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)

DRI reinforces a physically incompatible behavior to replace the unwanted behavior.

This means it’s impossible to perform both behaviors at the same time. (e.g., reinforcing

appropriate language to replace swearing)

For example, if you’re trying to teach a child to remain seated in class, you’re going to

provide reinforcement when they are in their seat and withhold reinforcement when they are

out of their seat. A child cannot have in and out of seat behavior at the same time, and so the

positive and negative behaviors are physically incompatible.

Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)

DRO reinforces any behavior other than the unwanted behavior. This is usually done by

setting a time interval, and if the inappropriate behavior doesn’t occur during this time period,

reinforcement is provided. (; e.g., reinforcing singing to replace screaming)

One problem with using DRO is that since the reinforcement is given contingent only on the

non-occurrence of the target behavior, other challenging behaviors might occur instead and

become reinforced.

Because of this limitation, DRO is usually applied with an aversive contingency in order to

be effective.

Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL)

DRL reinforces at the end of an instructional session if the problem behavior occurred

during the entire session at or below a predetermined criterion. The goal is usually to

decrease the frequency of recurring behaviors, not to eliminate them entirely. (e.g.,

reinforcing hand raising which rarely happens)

Procedure of differential reinforcement

The procedure of differential reinforcement involves selectively reinforcing desirable

behaviors while withholding reinforcement or providing punishment for undesirable

behaviors. The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify the behavior to be modified: The first step is to identify the specific

behavior that needs to be modified. This could be a problem behavior that needs to be

reduced, or a desirable behavior that needs to be increased. (such as screaming or

aggression or repetitive/stereotypic behaviors).

2. Define the behavior: The behavior should be clearly defined and observable so that it

can be accurately measured. This may involve breaking the behavior down into
 smaller components or defining the behavior in terms of its frequency, duration, or

intensity.

3. Choose the reinforcement schedule: The type of reinforcement schedule used will

depend on the behavior being targeted. A continuous reinforcement schedule, where

reinforcement is provided after every occurrence of the behavior, is most effective in

teaching new behaviors. However, once the behavior is established, an intermittent

reinforcement schedule, where reinforcement is provided after a certain number of

occurrences of the behavior, is more effective in maintaining the behavior over time.

4. Reinforce desirable behavior: Reinforcement should be provided immediately

following the occurrence of the desirable behavior. Reinforcement can be positive,

such as providing a reward, or negative, such as removing an aversive stimulus. The

reinforcement should be meaningful to the individual and should be consistent across

different settings.

5. Withhold reinforcement or provide punishment for undesirable behavior:

Undesirable behavior should be met with a withholding of reinforcement or with

punishment. Punishment can be positive, such as administering an aversive stimulus,

or negative, such as removing a positive stimulus.

6. Monitor and adjust the procedure: The procedure should be monitored regularly to

ensure that it is effective in modifying the behavior. Adjustments may need to be

made to the reinforcement schedule or the type of reinforcement or punishment used.

Rationale of differential reinforcement

Differential reinforcement is a behavior modification technique used to increase or

decrease the frequency of a behavior by selectively reinforcing or withholding reinforcement

based on the occurrence of that behavior. This technique is based on the principles of operant

conditioning, which suggest that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it. In
other words, if a behavior is followed by a positive consequence (reinforcement), it is more

likely to occur again in the future, while if it is followed by a negative consequence

(punishment), it is less likely to occur again.

The goal of differential reinforcement is to increase the occurrence of desirable

behaviors and decrease the occurrence of undesirable behaviors. To achieve this goal,

specific behaviors are identified and targeted for reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcement can be positive, such as providing a reward for a desirable behavior, or

negative, such as removing an aversive stimulus after a desirable behavior occurs.

Punishment can also be positive, such as administering an aversive stimulus for an

undesirable behavior, or negative, such as removing a positive stimulus after an undesirable

behavior occurs.

The type of reinforcement schedule used in differential reinforcement is important

and should be selected based on the behavior being targeted. A continuous reinforcement

schedule, where reinforcement is provided after every occurrence of the behavior, is most

effective in teaching new behaviors. However, once the behavior is established, an

intermittent reinforcement schedule, where reinforcement is provided after a certain number

of occurrences of the behavior, is more effective in maintaining the behavior over time.

Differential reinforcement is used in a variety of settings, including schools, homes,

and workplaces. It has been used successfully to reduce problem behaviors in individuals

with developmental disabilities, as well as to increase desirable behaviors in children with

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral disorders. It can also be

used to modify the behavior of adults in the workplace or other settings.

Applications of differential reinforcement

Differential reinforcement is a widely used behavior modification technique that has

been applied in various settings to modify behavior. Here are some common applications of

differential reinforcement:

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy: ABA therapy uses differential

reinforcement to treat individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and

other behavioral disorders. The technique is used to increase desirable behaviors,

such as communication, social skills, and academic performance, while reducing

problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury.

2. Classroom Management: Teachers use differential reinforcement to increase

positive behaviors and decrease disruptive behaviors in the classroom. For

example, teachers may use a token economy system to reward students for

appropriate behavior and remove privileges for inappropriate behavior.

3. Parenting: Parents use differential reinforcement to encourage desirable behavior

in their children. This can include rewarding children for completing chores,

following rules, and exhibiting positive behaviors, while ignoring or giving mild

consequences for negative behaviors.

4. Workplace Management: Employers use differential reinforcement to increase

productivity and promote positive behavior in employees. For example, an

employer may offer bonuses or promotions for meeting performance goals, while

reprimanding or issuing corrective actions for inappropriate behavior.

5. Self-Management: Individuals can use differential reinforcement to modify their

own behavior. For example, someone who is trying to quit smoking may reward

themselves for abstaining from smoking for a certain period of time.