Which procedure delivers the functional reinforcer if the problem behavior does not occur for a specified time period?

Which procedure delivers the functional reinforcer if the problem behavior does not occur for a specified time period?

• A. Dra
• B. Fct
• C. Dro
• D. Drl

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is reinforcing the absence of a problem behavior for a defined period. This is Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior. In this approach, you set a time interval, and if the problem behavior does not occur during that interval, you deliver a reinforcer. The goal is to increase the likelihood that the individual will refrain from the problem behavior for the whole interval, and you can gradually lengthen the interval to further reduce occurrences. This differs from reinforcing an alternate, desirable behavior (which would be DRA), or reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with the problem behavior (DRI), or teaching a functional communication to replace the behavior (FCT). It also differs from simply reducing the rate of behavior (DRL) because DRO focuses on the complete absence within an interval, not just a slower rate.

The idea being tested is reinforcing the absence of a problem behavior for a defined period. This is Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior. In this approach, you set a time interval, and if the problem behavior does not occur during that interval, you deliver a reinforcer. The goal is to increase the likelihood that the individual will refrain from the problem behavior for the whole interval, and you can gradually lengthen the interval to further reduce occurrences.

This differs from reinforcing an alternate, desirable behavior (which would be DRA), or reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with the problem behavior (DRI), or teaching a functional communication to replace the behavior (FCT). It also differs from simply reducing the rate of behavior (DRL) because DRO focuses on the complete absence within an interval, not just a slower rate.