DRI: Differential Reinforcement of Incompabilitiy

By Eric Kastan, M.A.,LMFT, BCBA

Difference is the key

We have looked at many different aspects of ABA and creating change in behavior. When we come across a behavior that is correct in one context and not correct in another, basic reinforcement and punishment procedures may not really capture the idea of change needed. When we have a targeted behavior we want to change in one context (across place, person, or time) and keep in another, we turn to Differential Reinforcement (DR) procedures. There are many types: incompatible (DRI), alternative (DRA), other (DRO), lower limits (DRL), and higher limits (DRH). 

To go through each one would take too much time. So for this month, we are taking a look at DRI – differential reinforcement of incompatibility. This one works on the law of incompatibility. You cannot run and walk, sit and stand, yell and whisper at the same time. The reason to use differential reinforcement for the stated behaviors, is that in one context yelling (on the playground, at a basketball game, etc…) is warranted and acceptable, while in other contexts (library, classroom, at adults. Etc…) it is not. So to just make a reinforcement that works just on quiet talking would not fit and encompass the contexts of the day.

Differential reinforcement of incompatibility works like this: Across locations (school yard and classroom), while in the classroom, only quiet talking would get reinforced and yelling would be punished/placed on extinction/ or not dealt with, while on the yard, yelling (within limits, normal playground levels) would be reinforced, while whispering would not. This helps teach context to where one behavior is acceptable and not.

Another example is walking and running. In P.E. class running (within following the rules) would get reinforced while walking (when supposed to run) would be punished/placed on extinction/ or not dealt with. All the while, in the hallways, walking gets reinforced and running gets punished/placed on extinction/ or not dealt with. The magic of this is, as walking in the halls increases, the running reduces. I can reinforce the changes I want and not just punish unwanted behaviors, especially when context is crucial. DR is not used for aggression, violence, or severe unwanted behaviors. It is used when the behavior selected is not correct for the environment it is displayed in, but would be correct in another environment. This can be done in home, school, or the community as well. Knowing how and when to place this is the key. This can be hard to do without guidance. This is why it is important to have professional guidance when using theses interventions.

Here at FACT, we use many theories and interventions to build the program that will work for you and your family. If you have any questions about possible services please contact our main office. If you have any question on behavior or topics you would like to see, please email me at [email protected].