What is Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)?

• A. Reinforcing an acceptable alternative to the problem behavior while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior.
• B. Reinforcing the problem behavior.
• C. Withholding all reinforcement.
• D. Reinforcing only the problem behavior.

Answer: (A)

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior means teaching and reinforcing a replacement behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior, while not reinforcing the problem behavior. The idea is to identify what the problem behavior accomplishes (for example, getting attention, escaping a demand, or obtaining a tangibly item) and choose a socially acceptable behavior that can achieve that same outcome. You then reinforce the learner when they use the alternative behavior and withhold reinforcement for the problem behavior. This pairing helps increase the occurrence of a functional, appropriate skill instead of the challenging one. For instance, if a student yells to gain attention, you reinforce a quiet request for attention (like raising a hand or saying “excuse me”) and ignore or withhold attention when they yell. Over time, the replacement behavior becomes the preferred way to get the same result. This approach differs from simply reinforcing the problem behavior or stopping all reinforcement; the focus is on a clear, functional substitute that reduces the undesired behavior by providing a better path to the same outcome.