What is Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)?

• A. Withholding reinforcement.
• B. Reinforcing every instance of behavior.
• C. Reinforcing only after the problem behavior occurs.
• D. Providing reinforcement when the problem behavior does not occur during a specified interval.

Answer: (D)

DRO reinforces the absence of the target problem behavior. You set a defined interval, and if the problem behavior does not occur during that interval, you deliver reinforcement at the end. If the problem behavior happens, the interval resets and no reinforcement is given for that interval. Over time, the tendency to emit the problem behavior decreases because not engaging in it during the interval leads to a reward.

This is different from simply withholding reinforcement (which wouldn't provide a consistent positive consequence for any behavior) or from reinforcing every instance of behavior (which is continuous reinforcement for all actions). It’s also not reinforcing only after the problem behavior occurs (that would reinforce the problem behavior). An example: if shouting to gain attention is the issue, you might provide praise or a token only if, during a set interval, the child does not shout; if shouting occurs, the interval restarts.