What is the purpose of DRO, and what are the steps for using this procedure?
Describe the four schedules of DRO and provide an example for each.
What is the purpose of DRL, and what are the three guidelines for using this procedure?
Describe the two schedules of DRL and provide an example for each.
ANSWER
Title: Reinforcement Procedures in Behavior Modification
Introduction:
In behavior modification, reinforcement procedures are essential tools for promoting desired behaviors and reducing unwanted ones. Two commonly used reinforcement procedures are Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) and Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL). This essay will explore the purpose of DRO, its steps, the four schedules of DRO, the purpose of DRL, and the guidelines and schedules associated with DRL.
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO):
DRO is a reinforcement procedure used to decrease the occurrence of a specific unwanted behavior by reinforcing any behavior other than the target behavior. The purpose of DRO is to encourage alternative, desirable behaviors while ignoring or providing no reinforcement for the undesirable behavior.
Steps for Using DRO:
1. Define the target behavior: Clearly identify the behavior that needs to be reduced or eliminated.
2. Choose the interval: Determine the time interval during which the target behavior should not occur.
3. Observe and record behavior: Continuously monitor the individual’s behavior to track occurrences of the target behavior.
4. Deliver reinforcement: Provide reinforcement (e.g., praise, rewards) when the target behavior does not occur within the specified interval.
5. Be consistent: Ensure that reinforcement is consistently delivered for the absence of the target behavior during the chosen interval.
Four Schedules of DRO:
1. Fixed Interval (FI): Reinforcement is provided at predetermined, fixed time intervals, regardless of the occurrence of the target behavior. For example, a child receives praise every 10 minutes for not engaging in tantrums.
2. Variable Interval (VI): Reinforcement is provided at varying time intervals, making it unpredictable. An example is a teacher occasionally praising a student for not interrupting during class.
3. Fixed Momentary (FM): Reinforcement is given at a specific moment in time, provided the target behavior is absent at that moment. For instance, a supervisor praises an employee every 5 minutes if they are not using their phone during work.
4. Variable Momentary (VM): Reinforcement is delivered at irregular moments in time, with no fixed pattern. An example is a parent giving praise randomly throughout the day if their child refrains from whining.
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL):
DRL is a reinforcement procedure used to reduce the frequency of a behavior that occurs too frequently. The purpose of DRL is to encourage a decrease in the frequency of the target behavior while still allowing it to occur occasionally at a lower rate.
Three Guidelines for Using DRL:
1. Specify the acceptable rate: Clearly define the reduced rate at which the target behavior is considered acceptable.
2. Reinforce low rates: Provide reinforcement when the target behavior occurs at or below the specified acceptable rate.
3. Monitor and adjust: Continuously monitor the frequency of the behavior and adjust the reinforcement accordingly.
Two Schedules of DRL:
1. Full-Session DRL: Reinforcement is provided if the target behavior occurs at or below the acceptable rate throughout the entire session. For example, a child receives a reward if they have fewer than three outbursts during a school day.
2. Spaced-Responding DRL: Reinforcement is given when there is a certain amount of time between occurrences of the target behavior. An example is a therapist praising a client for waiting at least 10 minutes between cigarette breaks.
Conclusion:
DRO and DRL are valuable tools in behavior modification, allowing individuals to reduce unwanted behaviors while promoting more desirable ones. By understanding the purpose, steps, schedules, and guidelines associated with these reinforcement procedures, behavior analysts and caregivers can effectively shape behavior patterns and improve the lives of those they support.