Differential Reinforcement: DRO, DRA, DRI — RBT Behavior Reduction Guide

Reinforcing the Right Behaviors

Differential reinforcement means reinforcing one behavior while extinguishing another. The acronyms DRO, DRA, and DRI are staples of the exam. You must know the distinctions between them.

DRO (Other Behavior)

Reinforcement is delivered if the problem behavior does not occur for a specific time. You are reinforcing the absence of the behavior. Example: A child gets a token for every 5 minutes they do not scream.

DRA (Alternative Behavior)

Reinforcement is delivered for a specific alternative behavior that serves the same function. Example: A child asks for a "break" (alternative) instead of flipping the table to escape work. You reinforce the communication.

DRI (Incompatible Behavior)

Reinforcement is delivered for a behavior that cannot look physically happen at the same time as the problem behavior. Example: Reinforcing keeping hands in pockets to stop hand-flapping. You cannot do both simultaneously. It makes the problem behavior physically impossible.