Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) involves what concept?

• A. Rewarding responses that oppose unwanted behavior, alternative response training
• B. Rewarding any correct response
• C. Punishing the unwanted behavior
• D. Ignoring the unwanted behavior

Answer: (A)

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior focuses on reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the unwanted one. By choosing a response that is mutually exclusive with the problem behavior and providing reinforcement when that incompatible behavior happens, you make the undesirable behavior less likely because it can’t be performed during the reinforced moments.

For example, if a dog barks for attention, you reinforce quiet, stationary behavior like resting or sitting. The act of sitting is incompatible with barking, so when the dog sits and stays quiet, it earns the reinforcement. Over time, the quiet, incompatible behavior becomes more frequent in situations where reinforcement is available.

This isn’t about rewarding any correct response or about punishing the unwanted behavior, nor is it simply ignoring the behavior. It’s specifically about shaping and reinforcing a specific alternative that cannot occur simultaneously with the behavior you’re trying to reduce.