What is differential reinforcement?

• A. Punishing all incorrect responses
• B. Reinforcement for every correct response
• C. Rewarding only the best examples of behavior
• D. Reinforcement for increasing the overall response rate

Answer: (C)

Differential reinforcement is a procedure that strengthens only certain variations of a behavior, while not reinforcing others, to shape the quality of the response. By setting a criterion for what counts as an acceptable form and consistently reinforcing only those responses that meet it, you guide the animal toward the desired, higher-quality behavior. The option that describes rewarding only the best examples of behavior captures this idea, because you’re selectively reinforcing the most correct or polished responses rather than every correct one. The other descriptions describe punishing all incorrect responses, reinforcing every correct response regardless of quality, or increasing the overall rate without discrimination, which aren’t the essence of differential reinforcement.