Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Tutorial
	Module 6: Reducing Problem Behaviors Differential Reinforcement Differential reinforcement uses both reinforcement and extinction to reduce problem behaviors. With differential reinforcement, we reinforce certain behaviors (the positive behaviors we want to see). We do not reinforce the problem behaviors. Let's continue the screaming for attention example from the previous page. I might give attention (reinforcement) when the student was raising his hand, and ignore screaming. Reinforcing the child for raising his hand may be more effective that using extinction alone, because it gives the student another way to get attention. This concept will be described in more detail in the section on “FBA/Replacement Behaviors.” Here are a few examples of differential reinforcement for students with autism. In a 2009 research study, differential reinforcement examined for reducing stereotypic vocalizations of children with autism. The researchers gave praise and a chosen reinforcer when the child refrained from making stereotypic vocalizations for a period of time (starting at 3 seconds). A reinforcer could be earned every three seconds. Reinforcement (either attention or the chosen reinforcer) was not provided if stereotypic vocalizations occurred within the 3 second time interval. So, the child earned attention and a reinforcer for any behavior other than the target behavior of stereotypical vocalizations (Rozenblat, Brown, Brown, Reeve, & Reeve, 2009). Which type of differential reinforcement is this? In a 1998 study, researchers used differential reinforcement to increase sign language requests from three young children. After the sign language was taught, sign language was reinforced with an item or activity the child wanted. Other ways to request (such as leading the adult to the item, reaching, grabbing or yelling) were not reinforced with access to the item or activity (Drasgow, Halle, & Ostrosky, 1998). Which type of differential reinforcement is this? A guide to using differential reinforcement can be found here: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/sites/autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/Differential-Reinforcement-complete10-2010.pdf References Drasgow, E. , Halle, J. W. & Ostrosky, M. M. (1998). Effects of differential reinforcement on the generalization of a replacement mand in three children with severe language delays. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(3), 357–374. Rozenblat, E., Brown, J. L., Brown, A. K., Reeve, S. A. & Reeve, K. F. (2009). Effects of adjusting DRO schedules on the reduction of stereotypic vocalizations in children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 24, 1-15. doi: 10.1002/bin.270 Next --> Why not punishment?