DRO vs. DRA vs. DRI: How One Word in the Scenario Changes the Whole Answer

Why Differential Reinforcement Appears on Every Exam

Differential reinforcement is a cornerstone of least-restrictive behavioral interventions. Because it combines reinforcement with extinction, board questions test your ability to distinguish the sub-types based on the topography and contingency rules.

The Quick Differentiation Guide

1. DRO (Differential Reinforcement of OTHER Behavior)

• Rule: Reinforcement is delivered whenever the problem behavior has NOT occurred during or at specific times.
• Key Clue: Zero occurrences of the target behavior. The learner could literally be sleeping, staring at the ceiling, or doing anything else—as long as the target problem behavior did not occur, they receive reinforcement.
• Exam Trap: DRO is often called differential reinforcement of zero rates. Be careful: DRO does NOT teach a replacement behavior! If a question asks for a procedure that actively teaches a functionally equivalent skill, DRO is NEVER the correct answer.

2. DRA (Differential Reinforcement of ALTERNATIVE Behavior)

• Rule: Reinforcement is delivered for a specific desirable alternative behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior, while the problem behavior is placed on extinction.
• Topography: The alternative behavior does not have to be physically incompatible with the problem behavior.
• Example: Reinforcing raising a hand instead of shouting out. (A student could technically raise a hand while shouting, so it's not incompatible, but it is an alternative).

3. DRI (Differential Reinforcement of INCOMPATIBLE Behavior)

• Rule: Reinforcement is delivered for a behavior that CANNOT physically occur simultaneously with the problem behavior.
• Topography: Mutually exclusive motor response.
• Example: Reinforcing keeping hands in pockets to reduce hand-flapping or scratching. You cannot physically have your hands deep in your pockets and scratch someone at the exact same millisecond.

Summary Cheat Sheet

• Did they specify zero occurrences of the target behavior? \rightarrow DRO
• Can the learner physically do both behaviors at the exact same moment?
• If YES \rightarrow DRA (Alternative, but compatible)
• If NO \rightarrow DRI (Topographically incompatible)