Question

What is the difference between differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI)?

Answer 1

Answer: In differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), it is possible for the problem behavior and reinforced behaviour to coexist while in differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI), it is not.

Explanation:

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) are both ways to reduce or eliminate unsatisfactory behavior. They aim to change behavior by substituting unwanted behavior with target behavior and removing the reinforcement of unwanted behavior .

The difference between DRA and DRI is the compatibility of the behavior that is being reinforced with the existing behavior. While DRA shows an alternative way to behave, DRI only reinforces behavior incompatible with the problem behavior.  An example of DRA is is telling a student to raise her hand instead of shouting in class. Here, both of these behaviors are compatible. An example of DRI is telling a child who has a habit of talking while eating to do one or the other.