Which procedure decreases problem behavior by reinforcing a behavior that serves as a desirable alternative to the behavior targeted for reduction and withheld following instances of the problem behavior?

Which procedure decreases problem behavior by reinforcing a behavior that serves as a desirable alternative to the behavior targeted for reduction and withheld following instances of the problem behavior?

• A. DRO
• B. DRA
• C. DRI
• D. Escape Extinction

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is reinforcing a positive, appropriate replacement for a problem behavior while not reinforcing the problem behavior itself. This approach is called differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior. You identify a desirable behavior that can serve the same function as the problem behavior (a replacement that still gets a needed outcome, like attention or access to a item), and you provide reinforcement when that replacement occurs. At the same time, the problem behavior no longer earns reinforcement, so over time the learner is more likely to use the replacement and lessen the problem behavior. For example, if a student shouts to get attention, you reinforce raising a hand and speaking politely instead, and you withhold attention when they shout. As the alternative behavior is rewarded, it becomes more frequent, and the shouting behavior decreases because it no longer yields reinforcement. DRO would reinforce any behavior other than the problem behavior, without specifying a particular alternative; DRI reinforces a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior; and escape extinction focuses on not allowing the learner to escape/avoid the situation rather than teaching a specific desirable replacement.

The main idea here is reinforcing a positive, appropriate replacement for a problem behavior while not reinforcing the problem behavior itself. This approach is called differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior. You identify a desirable behavior that can serve the same function as the problem behavior (a replacement that still gets a needed outcome, like attention or access to a item), and you provide reinforcement when that replacement occurs. At the same time, the problem behavior no longer earns reinforcement, so over time the learner is more likely to use the replacement and lessen the problem behavior.

For example, if a student shouts to get attention, you reinforce raising a hand and speaking politely instead, and you withhold attention when they shout. As the alternative behavior is rewarded, it becomes more frequent, and the shouting behavior decreases because it no longer yields reinforcement.

DRO would reinforce any behavior other than the problem behavior, without specifying a particular alternative; DRI reinforces a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior; and escape extinction focuses on not allowing the learner to escape/avoid the situation rather than teaching a specific desirable replacement.