rbt D.3 Differential Reinforcement

By RBThub February 23, 2026

Imagine you have two plants. One is a weed (Problem Behavior), and one is a flower (Replacement Behavior).

If you water the flower and starve the weed, the flower grows and the weed dies.
This is Differential Reinforcement (DR). We don't just "punish" bad behavior; we starve it while simultaneously rewarding something better.

Executive Summary

This video covers the "Big Three" behavior reduction strategies: DRA (Alternative), DRI (Incompatible), and DRO (Other). You will learn that to stop a behavior, you must give the client a new way to get what they want (Function-Based Treatment).

⏱️ Video Timeline

02:03
DRA (Alternative Behavior)
Reinforcing a specific replacement behavior that serves the same function (e.g., asking for a break instead of hitting). This is the best option.
05:16
DRI (Incompatible Behavior)
Reinforcing a behavior that cannot happen at the same time as the problem (e.g., hands in pockets vs. hitting).
08:21
DRO (Other Behavior)
Reinforcing the absence of the problem behavior for a specific time. (e.g., "If you don't scream for 5 minutes, you get a token").

🔑 Key Insights

Function is Key: For DRA, the replacement MUST get them the same thing the problem did (e.g., Attention for Attention).
DRI = Impossible: You physically can't sit and stand at the same time. You can't bite your nails if your hands are in your pockets.
DRO = Zero: Think "Differential Reinforcement of ZERO behavior." If the problem happens even once, the timer resets.
Extinction: All DR procedures work best when the problem behavior is put on extinction (ignored/blocked).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which one should I use first?
A: DRA. It teaches a specific, functional skill. DRO doesn't teach anything; it just rewards "not doing it."
Q: What is the "Dead Man's Test" for DRO?
A: A dead man can "not scream" for 5 minutes. DRO rewards passivity. DRA rewards action.

1. The DR Matrix (Cheat Sheet)

Use this chart to distinguish them instantly on the test.
DRA (Alternative) Teaches New Skill? YES DRI (Incompatible) Can happen at same time? NO DRO (Other) Reinforce Absence? YES

2. Clinical Examples

Scenario: Hitting

DRA: Teach client to say "I'm mad." (Replaces hitting with words).
DRI: Teach client to squeeze a stress ball. (Cannot hit while squeezing).
DRO: Set a timer for 5 mins. If no hitting occurs, give a token. (Doesn't matter what else they do, as long as they don't hit).

📝 Knowledge Check

Which procedure is it?

Q1: You reinforce a student for keeping their hands in their pockets to prevent nose picking.

Answer: DRI (Incompatible).
They physically cannot pick their nose if their hands are in their pockets.

Q2: You reinforce a student every 10 minutes if they have not sworn.

Answer: DRO (Other).
You are reinforcing the absence of the behavior (Zero rates).
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Reduction Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on DRA, DRI, and DRO procedures.

Start Practice Test

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