Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior
Also called: DRO, omission training
Definition
A procedure in which reinforcement is delivered at the end of an interval during which a specified behavior did not occur. It reinforces the absence of that behavior rather than any particular replacement, so it teaches nothing new on its own.
In plain language
A reward is given when a set amount of time passes without the behavior. It rewards the behavior not happening. It does not teach a new skill by itself.
Examples
A learner earns a preferred activity after each five minutes in which shouting did not occur.
The interval starts again whenever the behavior happens, so the timer resets.
Not differential reinforcement of other behavior
Reinforcing a learner for handing over a break card, which reinforces a specific alternative rather than the absence of behavior.
That is differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior.
Giving a reward on a fixed schedule regardless of what happened, which is not differential at all.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- iwata-1982-1994
Written from the functional-analysis and differential-reinforcement literature. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.