In differential reinforcement, what is the main objective?

• A. Providing greater reinforcement for better approximations for a target behavior, and placing other behaviors on extinction or on a less desirable reinforcement schedule.
• B. Punish inappropriate behaviors to reduce them.
• C. Reinforce every behavior equally.
• D. Ignore all behaviors.

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind differential reinforcement is to shape and strengthen the target behavior by giving stronger reinforcement for closer or more appropriate responses, while making other behaviors less reinforcing or not reinforcing them at all. In practice, this means rewarding better approximations to the desired behavior (through reinforcement of successive steps toward the goal) and placing competing or undesired behaviors on extinction or on a less attractive reinforcement schedule. This approach helps the learner gradually increase the target behavior and reduce the occurrence of unwanted behaviors without using punishment. It also covers variations like reinforcing an alternative appropriate behavior (DRA), reinforcing when the target behavior does not occur for a period (DRO), or reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with the undesired one (DRI).