What is Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)?

• A. Reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with the problem behavior.
• B. Reinforcing the problem behavior.
• C. Reinforcing any behavior except the problem behavior.
• D. Withholding reinforcement altogether.

Answer: (A)

DRI targets replacing a problem behavior by strengthening a response that cannot occur at the same time as that problem. By reinforcing an alternative behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem, the learner is effectively prevented from doing the problem behavior whenever the alternative is being reinforced. Over time, this makes the incompatible, appropriate behavior more likely and the problem behavior less likely.

For example, if a student yells to gain attention, you reinforce a quiet, appropriate way to request attention (like raising a hand or using a card and waiting). Those actions can’t occur simultaneously with yelling, so increasing the quiet request reduces yelling. This is different from simply reinforcing any other behavior (which would be a broader differential reinforcement approach) and not the same as withholding reinforcement altogether (extinction).