www.BehaviorAdvisor.comwww.BehaviorAdvisor.com

This slide show is part of a This slide show is part of a workshop given by Tom workshop given by Tom

McIntyre (Dr. Mac)McIntyre (Dr. Mac)

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Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement ProceduresProcedures

While you’re waiting… Your “While you’re waiting… Your “Do NowDo Now” ” ActivityActivity

Consider the 3 words found at the top of this Consider the 3 words found at the top of this screen. Based on the title, what do you think that screen. Based on the title, what do you think that these procedures are designed to accomplish? these procedures are designed to accomplish?

What is their intent and goal?What is their intent and goal?

List some behaviors List some behaviors (displayed by students),(displayed by students), witnessed or hearsay, that you believe are totally witnessed or hearsay, that you believe are totally

unacceptable in the classroom.unacceptable in the classroom.

Which behaviors do you find to be irritating or Which behaviors do you find to be irritating or disruptive, but would tolerate if they were disruptive, but would tolerate if they were

displayed infrequently.displayed infrequently.

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So… what areSo… what are““differential reinforcement proceduresdifferential reinforcement procedures””??

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The DRsThe DRs

Reduction of inappropriate behaviors through the Reduction of inappropriate behaviors through the use of structured administration of reinforcementuse of structured administration of reinforcement ..

DRODRO - - DDifferential ifferential RReinforcement of einforcement of OOther behaviorsther behaviors

DRIDRI - - DDifferential ifferential RReinforcement of einforcement of IIncompatible behaviorncompatible behavior

DRADRA - - DDifferential ifferential RReinforcement of einforcement of AAlternative behaviorslternative behaviors

DRLDRL - - DDifferential ifferential RReinforcement of einforcement of LLow rates of behaviorow rates of behavior

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Differential ReinforcementDifferential Reinforcementof Other Behaviors of Other Behaviors (DRO)(DRO)

The student is reinforced for withholding the inappropriate The student is reinforced for withholding the inappropriate behavior for a designated period of time.behavior for a designated period of time.

Only “zero displays” of the inappropriate behavior during the Only “zero displays” of the inappropriate behavior during the time period are reinforced.time period are reinforced.

DRO is “DRO is “omission trainingomission training”… a student is reinforced for the ”… a student is reinforced for the absence absence (rather than the presence)(rather than the presence) of behavior. of behavior.

““PurePure” DRO requires that reinforcement be given no matter ” DRO requires that reinforcement be given no matter what other behaviors are displayed.what other behaviors are displayed.

(So focus on the behavior of most concern)(So focus on the behavior of most concern)

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Steps for Applying DROSteps for Applying DRO

An interval of time is figured from observation data.An interval of time is figured from observation data.

Reinforcement is given if the undesirable behavior Reinforcement is given if the undesirable behavior was was NOTNOT emitted during the designated time emitted during the designated time interval.interval.

(Usually)(Usually) Any display of the inappropriate behavior Any display of the inappropriate behavior results in a re-setting of the clockresults in a re-setting of the clock (start another time (start another time interval)interval)

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Interresponse Time Interresponse Time (IRT)(IRT)

““IRT” is the average amount of time that elapses IRT” is the average amount of time that elapses between displays of the inappropriate behavior.between displays of the inappropriate behavior.

Calculating IRT is a way to determine an appropriate Calculating IRT is a way to determine an appropriate interval length for DRO interval length for DRO (and DRL)(and DRL) schedules. schedules.

This time period This time period (or one slightly higher or lower)(or one slightly higher or lower) becomes becomes the initial interval during which the student must the initial interval during which the student must withhold the inappropriate behavior withhold the inappropriate behavior (in order to (in order to

obtain obtain reinforcement)reinforcement)..

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An Example of Calculating IRTAn Example of Calculating IRT Cliff uses “inappropriate physical contact” (push, poke, slap) toward other students an average of 9 times during the 6 hour school day. A DRO intervention is planned.

To determine the IRT during which Cliff must refrain from “negative touch” in order to obtain reinforcement, 9 (events) is

divided into 6 (hours).

Cliff uses negative physicality toward peers 1½ times per hour.

Next, his teacher divided 1½ into 60 (minutes in an hour).

The number obtained, 40, indicates the average number of minutes that pass between physical contacts. An interval length of 40 minutes is set as the amount of time that he must refrain from physically contacting peers in order to obtain reinforcement.

Data will continue to be collected, and new IRTs calculated.

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Calculating the DRO IntervalCalculating the DRO Interval# of time intervals # of time intervals (minutes, periods, hours, days)(minutes, periods, hours, days)

# of times the behavior was witnessed# of times the behavior was witnessed

Carmen cursed 6 times in 30 minutesCarmen cursed 6 times in 30 minutes..

3030 = 5 But 5 what = 5 But 5 what??

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5 of the time intervals that we were using in our 5 of the time intervals that we were using in our calculation calculation (minutes)(minutes)

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Another…Another…During a During a 2020 minute observation, Kanae displayed minute observation, Kanae displayed 88 short “short “scriptingscripting” incidents. What is your ” incidents. What is your reinforcement intervalreinforcement interval??

2020 = = ??

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22½½ But 2½ what But 2½ what??

Minutes.Minutes.

Kanae must go 150 seconds with NO displays of Kanae must go 150 seconds with NO displays of scripting in order to receive reinforcement.scripting in order to receive reinforcement.

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Considerations When Using DROConsiderations When Using DRO??

Because reinforcement is delivered if a student does Because reinforcement is delivered if a student does NOT perform the identified behavior, teachers NOT perform the identified behavior, teachers run the risk of positively reinforcing a variety of run the risk of positively reinforcing a variety of otherother inappropriate behavior. inappropriate behavior.

(Instead, use DRI or DRA)(Instead, use DRI or DRA)

Teachers might create a “Teachers might create a “behavioral vacuumbehavioral vacuum” for ” for students who do not possess a large repertoire students who do not possess a large repertoire of appropriate behaviors because DRO of appropriate behaviors because DRO reinforces reinforces the absence of behavior.the absence of behavior.

The selected reinforcer must be at least as powerful The selected reinforcer must be at least as powerful as the one obtained when performing the as the one obtained when performing the

inappropriate behavior.inappropriate behavior.

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Differential Reinforcement of Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior Incompatible Behavior (DRI)(DRI)

Select & reinforce a particular behavior that is Select & reinforce a particular behavior that is topographically incompatible with the topographically incompatible with the inappropriate one.inappropriate one.

The two behaviors cannot coexist.The two behaviors cannot coexist.

The promotion of the new behavior interferes with, The promotion of the new behavior interferes with, and thus “and thus “cancels outcancels out” the undesirable action.” the undesirable action.

The new behavior prevents the old one from The new behavior prevents the old one from surfacing.surfacing.

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DRIDRIStudent puts head down & sleepsStudent puts head down & sleeps:: Reinforce staying Reinforce staying

awake awake (perhaps have him/her stand and/or walk with (perhaps have him/her stand and/or walk with a clipboard).a clipboard).

The incompatible behavior is often the “opposite” The incompatible behavior is often the “opposite” action.action.

Considerations & CautionsConsiderations & Cautions??– FBA should have been conducted to determine reason for FBA should have been conducted to determine reason for

the behaviorthe behavior– The student must be able to perform the replacement The student must be able to perform the replacement

behaviorbehavior– Start with a CRF schedule of reinforcement & fade it outStart with a CRF schedule of reinforcement & fade it out

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Groups:Groups: What is incompatible with… What is incompatible with…??

Being out of one’s seatBeing out of one’s seat??

Having one’s hand in mouthHaving one’s hand in mouth??

Cutting classCutting class??

Making rude remarks when given a direction by Making rude remarks when given a direction by a teachera teacher??

Hitting oneself on side of head with fist when Hitting oneself on side of head with fist when presented with a taskpresented with a task??

Can be a “frequency” action Can be a “frequency” action (rude remarks)(rude remarks) OR a OR a “duration” action “duration” action (Hand in mouth)(Hand in mouth)

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Differential Reinforcement of Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Alternative Behavior (DRA)(DRA)

Closely related to DRI: A preferred alternative to the Closely related to DRI: A preferred alternative to the undesirable behavior is reinforced…undesirable behavior is reinforced…

Nicki tends to push others when the class lines up. Nicki tends to push others when the class lines up. He will now be the official “He will now be the official “tissue box carriertissue box carrier” at ” at the end of the line, ready to run forward is the end of the line, ready to run forward is someone sneezes.someone sneezes.

Unlike DRI, the replacement response is dissimilar, Unlike DRI, the replacement response is dissimilar, but not topographically incompatible with the but not topographically incompatible with the present behavior.present behavior.

ExamplesExamples??

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DRADRAWhen the student displays the inappropriate behavior, When the student displays the inappropriate behavior,

the teacher redirects the student to the chosen the teacher redirects the student to the chosen alternative behavior.alternative behavior.

Note:Note: Sometimes DRA is used in conjunction with a Sometimes DRA is used in conjunction with a mild punisher if the student continues to exhibit mild punisher if the student continues to exhibit

the the inappropriate behavior.inappropriate behavior.

To replace the undesirable action, the alternative To replace the undesirable action, the alternative must:must:??– Meet the same need/function/purpose, and/orMeet the same need/function/purpose, and/or– Bring the same amount of benefitsBring the same amount of benefits

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Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Behavior of Behavior (DRL)(DRL)

Unlike DRO (which requires zero responding), DRL Unlike DRO (which requires zero responding), DRL allows inappropriate behavior allows inappropriate behavior IFIF it is at a more it is at a more tolerable level.tolerable level.

Reinforcement is provided for a lessened display of Reinforcement is provided for a lessened display of the undesirable behavior during a designated the undesirable behavior during a designated period period of time.of time.

So, my errant scholar…So, my errant scholar…

How low can you go?How low can you go?

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DRLDRLProcedure:Procedure:– Conduct “baseline” recording to determine average number of displays.Conduct “baseline” recording to determine average number of displays.– Decide whether to have “penalty clauses” for failure to reach the goal.Decide whether to have “penalty clauses” for failure to reach the goal.– Decide whether to have “incentive clauses” for performance that is better Decide whether to have “incentive clauses” for performance that is better

than the goal that was set.than the goal that was set.– Meet with the student & set a goal of Meet with the student & set a goal of N-1N-1 (or a greater reduction). (or a greater reduction).– Reinforce the student for meeting the goal.Reinforce the student for meeting the goal.

BenefitsBenefits??

Good for building self-control over strong non-violent habitsGood for building self-control over strong non-violent habits

DisadvantagesDisadvantages??

Slow process which is not appropriate for violent behaviors.Slow process which is not appropriate for violent behaviors.

For which behaviors might DRL be appropriateFor which behaviors might DRL be appropriate? ? (next slide)(next slide)

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DRLDRL

Curse wordsCurse wordsTearing up workTearing up workNumber of staples used to secure document.Number of staples used to secure document.Work mistakesWork mistakesTalk outsTalk outsBurps / Animal noisesBurps / Animal noises

Just about anything, except behaviors that areJust about anything, except behaviors that are??– Violent towards othersViolent towards others

““You sent only 2 kids to the hospital today.”You sent only 2 kids to the hospital today.”

– Self-destructiveSelf-destructive““You met your goal of trying to commit suicide only 4 times this You met your goal of trying to commit suicide only 4 times this week.”week.”

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Guidelines for Using DRLGuidelines for Using DRLBaseline must be recorded in order to determine the Baseline must be recorded in order to determine the

average number of responses per time period. average number of responses per time period. This average occurrence may then serve as the This average occurrence may then serve as the initial DRL limitinitial DRL limit..

Huh?Huh? “Reasonably spaced criteria should be established “Reasonably spaced criteria should be established when using successively decreasing DRL limits to avoid when using successively decreasing DRL limits to avoid too frequent reinforcement and ratio strain, and so that too frequent reinforcement and ratio strain, and so that the program can be faded outthe program can be faded out..””

Decide whether or not to provide feedback to the Decide whether or not to provide feedback to the studentstudent(s)(s) concerning the cumulative number of concerning the cumulative number of responses up to that point in the session. responses up to that point in the session. ~~

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Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Comparisons & ConsiderationsComparisons & Considerations

Both DRI & DRA strengthen appropriate behaviors. Both DRI & DRA strengthen appropriate behaviors. DRO & DRL do not.DRO & DRL do not.

DRL is the only DR intervention that allows DRL is the only DR intervention that allows reinforcement even though the inappropriate reinforcement even though the inappropriate behavior surfaces.behavior surfaces.

DRI, DRA, & DRL typically result in gradual behavior DRI, DRA, & DRL typically result in gradual behavior changes.changes.

DRO is probably the intervention of choice when the DRO is probably the intervention of choice when the behavior is dangerous to self or others; it most often behavior is dangerous to self or others; it most often results in rapid reduction in behavior.results in rapid reduction in behavior.

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?

For each day that no negative physical contact For each day that no negative physical contact occurs, the class earns hot cocoa & granola bar occurs, the class earns hot cocoa & granola bar bites during first period the next day.bites during first period the next day.

(The students are also engaging in anger management training.)(The students are also engaging in anger management training.)

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?A student’s behavior that is targeted for reduction is A student’s behavior that is targeted for reduction is ““complaining, hesitating, or refusing when given a complaining, hesitating, or refusing when given a direction from the teacherdirection from the teacher”. The student will receive 1 ”. The student will receive 1 point point (toward the 10 needed to visit the classroom store)(toward the 10 needed to visit the classroom store) for for compliance within 10 seconds of the command.compliance within 10 seconds of the command.

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?

A distractible student is reinforced for each 4 minute A distractible student is reinforced for each 4 minute period that s/he was “period that s/he was “on taskon task” ” (engaged in the assigned (engaged in the assigned

task or attentive to the speaker)task or attentive to the speaker)..

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?A student is tardy an average of A student is tardy an average of 1818 of her of her 3030 weekly classes. weekly classes. She is always on-time to “She is always on-time to “specialsspecials” (art, PE, etc.) & science ” (art, PE, etc.) & science and math classes.and math classes.

For each week that she attends For each week that she attends 2020 of her of her 3030 classes, she will classes, she will receive a “receive a “Magic school busMagic school bus” video to take home for the ” video to take home for the weekend (borrowed from the children’s room in the local weekend (borrowed from the children’s room in the local library).library).

This plan is the positively stated version ofThis plan is the positively stated version of ::

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?While still receiving a “demerit” for calling out While still receiving a “demerit” for calling out an answer, the student is reinforced for each an answer, the student is reinforced for each time s/he raises his/her hand with lips closed.time s/he raises his/her hand with lips closed.

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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ClickersClickers Which DR procedure? Which DR procedure?The student will be reinforced for saying The student will be reinforced for saying ““PleasePlease” before saying “” before saying “Give me the…”.Give me the…”.

1.1. DRADRA

2.2. DRIDRI

3.3. DRLDRL

4.4. DRODRO

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Another DRO IRT calculationAnother DRO IRT calculationOn the first day of school, Plato cries out On the first day of school, Plato cries out “I want “I want my mommy!”my mommy!” 75 times in 15 minutes. 75 times in 15 minutes.

1515 = = 11 = 12 seconds (1/5 of a minute) = 12 seconds (1/5 of a minute)

75 5 75 5

1.1. 10 second reinforcement intervals10 second reinforcement intervals

2.2. 12 second reinforcement intervals12 second reinforcement intervals

3.3. 15 second reinforcement intervals15 second reinforcement intervals

4.4. 5 minute reinforcement intervals5 minute reinforcement intervals

5.5. 5 hour reinforcement intervals5 hour reinforcement intervals

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DR intervention stepsDR intervention steps

Select the target behavior to be changedSelect the target behavior to be changed

Select the appropriate differential strategy Select the appropriate differential strategy

DRI & DRA: Select the positive behavior replacement.DRI & DRA: Select the positive behavior replacement.

Identify reinforcers to motivate & reward successIdentify reinforcers to motivate & reward success

Determine the criteria for successDetermine the criteria for success (What level of end-outcome is acceptable?) (What level of end-outcome is acceptable?)

Begin the interventionBegin the intervention

Continue to collect dataContinue to collect data

Evaluate the results of the intervention, & calculate Evaluate the results of the intervention, & calculate new intervals.new intervals.

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Groups Groups Which DRs might be appropriate?Which DRs might be appropriate?And how would they be used?And how would they be used?

Nail bitingNail biting

Activating the fire alarmActivating the fire alarm

Homework rarely submittedHomework rarely submitted

Slams door to room upon entrySlams door to room upon entry

Self-derogatory remarksSelf-derogatory remarks

(“(“I’m stupid.”)I’m stupid.”)

Difficulty keeping hands off of Difficulty keeping hands off of things & peoplethings & people

Thumb suckingThumb sucking

““Incessant talking”Incessant talking”

““Frequent bullying”Frequent bullying”

““Endless complaining”Endless complaining”

DRODRO DRIDRI DRADRA DRLDRL

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ENDEND

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Developed by Tom McIntyre, Ph.D.Developed by Tom McIntyre, Ph.D.

www.BehaviorAdvisor.com

Thomas.mcintyre@hunter.cuny.eduThomas.mcintyre@hunter.cuny.edu

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ActivityActivity

Video of student engaging in action. Video of student engaging in action. Record & figure interval.Record & figure interval.

Watch againWatch again