RBT · Behavior Reduction · 7 min read
DRO and DRL Procedures
- Define Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) and differentiate between whole-interval, momentary, resetting, and non-resetting variations.
- Define Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL) and explain full-session, interval, and spaced-responding formats.
- Describe the Registered Behavior Technician's role in following written plans, timing intervals accurately, collecting data, maintaining treatment integrity, and communicating with the supervisor.
Understanding Differential Reinforcement and DRO Basics
Differential reinforcement is a core intervention framework used in behavior analysis to change behavior systematically. In differential reinforcement, the reinforcer specified for a criterion is delivered when that criterion is met and is not delivered for that criterion when it is not met; continue to provide any other reinforcement required by the written plan. Within your role as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), you implement differential reinforcement procedures designed and directed by a supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). You do not design interventions or select target criteria independently; instead, you carefully carry out the written protocol provided by your supervisor.
One common differential reinforcement procedure is DRO, which stands for Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior. DRO is also referred to as differential reinforcement of zero rates of responding. In DRO, reinforcement is delivered when the target behavior is absent according to the written plan’s timing rule: throughout an interval for whole-interval DRO, or at the check time for momentary DRO. A supervisor selects DRO to reduce a target behavior by reinforcing periods when it does not occur. DRO reinforces periods or check times when the target behavior is absent; the supervisor determines the overall treatment goal.
Deliver the prescribed reinforcer when the written DRO criterion is met, for example, after an entire behavior-free interval in whole-interval DRO, or when the behavior is absent at the check time in momentary DRO. Follow the plan’s rule when the target behavior occurs: it prevents reinforcement for that whole interval in whole-interval DRO, but an earlier occurrence does not necessarily prevent reinforcement in momentary DRO. Because your supervising BCBA or BCaBA establishes the treatment goals, your responsibility is to follow the exact omission criteria laid out in the client's written plan and accurately track whether the behavior occurred.
Common mistakes
- Resetting the timer during a non-resetting DRO schedule: In non-resetting DRO, the timer continues running even when the target behavior occurs, whereas a resetting DRO timer immediately restarts back to zero.
- Selecting DRL for dangerous behaviors: DRL is generally inappropriate for behaviors such as aggression or self-injury because its criteria may permit some occurrences; RBTs follow the written plan and promptly report safety concerns to the supervisor.
- Changing interval lengths or response limits without authorization: RBTs must never adjust DRO interval durations or DRL response limits on their own; all modifications must be authorized and directed by the supervising BCBA or BCaBA.
- Overlooking other problem behaviors during DRO: DRO reinforces the absence of the target behavior, which can accidentally reinforce a different undesirable behavior unless the RBT follows written plan criteria and reports new concerning behaviors to the supervisor.
Key points
- Differential reinforcement delivers reinforcement when specified criteria or omissions are met and withholds reinforcement when criteria are not met, implemented by RBTs under BCBA or BCaBA direction.
- DRO reinforces the absence of a target behavior according to the written timing rule; whole-interval DRO requires absence throughout an interval, while momentary DRO requires absence at the check time.
- DRO variations include whole-interval, momentary, fixed-interval, variable-interval, resetting, and non-resetting schedules.
- DRL provides reinforcement when a response count meets a specified ceiling or when a response follows the required interresponse time; a count of zero may meet a full-session or interval DRL ceiling.
- DRL formats include full-session DRL, interval DRL, and spaced-responding DRL; DRL is generally inappropriate for dangerous behaviors like self-injury or aggression.
- RBTs must use designated timing tools, record interval and response data accurately, apply reset rules consistently, deliver reinforcers as written, and never modify criteria without supervisor authorization.
- RBTs promptly notify supervisors when clients consistently fail to earn reinforcement, when new concerning behaviors occur, or when safety concerns arise.
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