AI Article Synopsis

  • Many procedures for using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) without extinction fail because they provide the same rewards for both problem and appropriate behaviors, making it hard to reduce the problem behavior.
  • Adjusting reinforcement factors like magnitude, immediacy, and quality can lead to better outcomes by promoting appropriate behaviors while lowering problem behaviors.
  • A study with 32 college students showed that manipulating these reinforcement dimensions effectively decreased problem behavior, especially when focusing on quality and using all dimensions together.

Article Abstract

Procedural arrangements of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction often involve presenting the same reinforcers for problem behavior and appropriate behavior, which is typically ineffective at reducing problem behavior and increasing an alternative response. However, manipulating reinforcement dimensions such that the contingencies favor the alternative response may improve treatment outcomes when using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction by increasing appropriate behavior and reducing problem behavior. We conducted this translational study with 32 college students completing a button-pressing task on a computer program in which they could engage in analogs to problem behavior and appropriate behavior. The effects of manipulating magnitude, immediacy, quality, and a combination of all three dimensions for the alternative response were evaluated. Overall, all dimension manipulations reduced the analog to problem behavior, with the largest reductions observed during the quality probe and the probe with all dimensions combined. These results support the notion that differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction can be an effective form of treatment.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jaba.973DOI Listing

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