you have learned that behavior analysts are able to change behavior by manipulating variables. One of the important strategies derived from the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is differential reinforcement (DR). You have learned that there are different types of DR and how you can select an appropriate DR procedure to modify a specific behavior. DR is used when you wish to increase one behavior while decreasing a dimension of another. These dimensions could be the behavior’s frequency, duration, intensity/magnitude, or latency. Read the following scenario. You have been contacted by a 3rd grade teacher from Dry Creek Elementary. He asks your help in getting control of the behavior of one of his students. He has tried the negative punishment procedure “timeout,” but it is not controlling the unwanted behavior. You ask him if he can describe what the behavior looks like – basically, the operational definition. Mr. Cochran says that every time he hands out a spelling or math worksheet, Danny tears the worksheets in two pieces, stands beside his desk, and looks directly at the teacher and smiles. Mr. Cochran says he feels like he has no control of this situation at all. For this week’s discussion post, you will design a Differential Reinforcement procedure to address Danny’s behavior. You may select from Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA); Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO); Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL); or Differential Reinforcement of High Rates of Responding (DRH). In addition to describing your Differential Reinforcement (DR) procedure for Danny’s case, include the following: Identify the probable function of the target behavior. Identify the reinforcer you will use in this case and provide your rationale for its selection. Discuss the reasons you have for using a DR approach instead of a simple reinforcement approach.
