ABA glossary
Differential reinforcement of other behavior
Also called DRO, omission training
Definition
Differential reinforcement of other behavior: delivering reinforcement when the problem behavior has not occurred during a set interval (or at a set moment). In a resetting DRO, an occurrence restarts the timer. Also called omission training.
In plain words
DRO reinforces the absence of a behavior. A timer runs, and if the problem behavior does not happen before it ends, the person earns reinforcement. It does not require any particular replacement behavior, which makes it useful for behaviors that are hard to replace or that happen at high rates. Intervals usually start short, often a bit shorter than the typical time between problem behaviors, so the person can succeed, and they are lengthened as behavior improves.
Example from a session
Ava's plan uses a 5-minute resetting DRO for skin scratching. The RBT starts a timer; if 5 minutes pass with no scratching, Ava earns a sticker and the timer restarts. When Ava scratches at minute 3, the RBT restarts the timer without comment, as written. The RBT records each interval earned or reset.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Analysts choose between whole-interval DRO (no behavior during the entire interval) and momentary DRO (no behavior at the moment the interval ends), and between fixed and increasing intervals. Initial intervals are often based on baseline IRTs. A risk of DRO is reinforcing whatever other behavior happens to occur at the end of the interval, including a different problem behavior, so analysts monitor collateral behavior and often combine DRO with teaching skills. DRO teaches what not to do rather than what to do, which limits its usefulness when the person lacks an appropriate way to get the reinforcer.
Often confused with differential reinforcement of alternative behavior, noncontingent reinforcement
DRO reinforces the absence of the problem behavior; DRA reinforces a specific alternative behavior. NCR delivers the reinforcer on a time schedule regardless of behavior; DRO delivers it only if the problem behavior did not occur, so a single occurrence can cancel or reset the reinforcer.
Exam tip
"Earns a reward for every X minutes without the behavior" is DRO. If the reward comes every X minutes no matter what, it is NCR. If the timer restarts after an occurrence, it is a resetting DRO.
Can you spot differential reinforcement of other behavior in a scenario?
Practice RBT D.3 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.