Which method aims to decrease, but not eliminate, a problem behavior?

Which method aims to decrease, but not eliminate, a problem behavior?

• A. Differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL)
• B. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA)
• C. Response cost
• D. Extinction

Answer: (A)

The method that aims to decrease, but not eliminate, a problem behavior is differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL). DRL is a behavioral intervention that reinforces a student for engaging in a lower frequency of the targeted problem behavior, which allows some instances of the behavior to occur while still promoting a reduction in overall frequency. This approach is particularly useful in situations where the behavior is acceptable at low rates but disruptive or problematic at higher rates. By focusing on reinforcing times when the behavior is less frequent rather than trying to eradicate it altogether, this method encourages gradual change without the potential backlash that can come from more punitive approaches. The focus is on providing positive reinforcement for improved behavior, which can often lead to more sustainable results in behavior change. Other methods, while addressing problem behaviors, operate differently. For instance, differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) encourages replacing the undesirable behavior with a more acceptable one, which may lead to a more significant shift away from the behavior altogether. Response cost involves providing a negative consequence for the occurrence of a behavior, potentially leading to elimination rather than just reduction. Extinction entails removing all reinforcement for a behavior, ultimately aiming for complete cessation rather than just a decrease.

The method that aims to decrease, but not eliminate, a problem behavior is differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL). DRL is a behavioral intervention that reinforces a student for engaging in a lower frequency of the targeted problem behavior, which allows some instances of the behavior to occur while still promoting a reduction in overall frequency. This approach is particularly useful in situations where the behavior is acceptable at low rates but disruptive or problematic at higher rates.

By focusing on reinforcing times when the behavior is less frequent rather than trying to eradicate it altogether, this method encourages gradual change without the potential backlash that can come from more punitive approaches. The focus is on providing positive reinforcement for improved behavior, which can often lead to more sustainable results in behavior change.

Other methods, while addressing problem behaviors, operate differently. For instance, differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) encourages replacing the undesirable behavior with a more acceptable one, which may lead to a more significant shift away from the behavior altogether. Response cost involves providing a negative consequence for the occurrence of a behavior, potentially leading to elimination rather than just reduction. Extinction entails removing all reinforcement for a behavior, ultimately aiming for complete cessation rather than just a decrease.