DRA, DRI, DRO and DRL: what gets reinforced in each
Differential reinforcement means reinforcing one thing and withholding reinforcement for another. The four common types differ in what earns the reinforcer, so the fastest way to tell them apart is to ask that one question.
| Type | What earns reinforcement | Example, target: shouting out in class |
|---|---|---|
| DRA (alternative) | A different, appropriate behavior | Raising a hand is reinforced with attention. It replaces the shout as the way to get attention. |
| DRI (incompatible) | A behavior that cannot happen at the same time | Reading aloud with the group is reinforced. The client cannot shout out while doing it. |
| DRO (other) | The behavior not happening for a set interval | Praise after every 5 minutes with no shouting out, whatever else happened. |
| DRL (lower rates) | The behavior happening less often, not stopping | A reward for 3 or fewer call-outs in a lesson. Some is fine; the goal is less. |
Telling them apart under pressure
- DRI is a stricter DRA: the new behavior also has to be physically impossible alongside the target.
- DRO reinforces the absence of the target, not any particular behavior.
- DRL fits when the behavior is acceptable in moderation, such as asking for help, but happens too often.
- All four only work if the reinforcer is withheld for the target. Your supervisor chooses the procedure and writes it in the plan.
Try the free 20-question practice test, or read about partial and whole interval recording and the four functions of behavior.
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