Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates
Also called: DRL, DRL schedule
Definition
A procedure for reducing, without eliminating, a behavior that is acceptable at a lower rate: reinforcement is delivered when the behavior occurs at or below a set number in a period, or when a minimum time has passed since the last response. It suits behavior such as asking questions or requesting the bathroom that should continue, just less often.
In plain language
Rewarding the person for doing a behavior less often, not for stopping it. Used for things that are fine in small amounts.
Example
A student who asks to sharpen a pencil twenty times a day earns a token for each hour with three or fewer requests.
Not differential reinforcement of low rates
Reinforcing the student for going a whole hour with no requests at all. The target there is zero, which makes it DRO.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- vollmer-iwata-1992
- ferster-skinner-1957
Written from Vollmer and Iwata (1992) and Ferster and Skinner (1957). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.