Video Study: Differential Reinforcement
Watch: DRA vs DRI vs DRO vs DRL: 20 BCBA Practice Questions (6th Edition)
Use this lesson as a visual study companion, then return to the definitions and examples below to apply the same concept to BCBA® exam questions.
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What Are Differential Reinforcement Practice Questions?
Differential reinforcement is a key concept on the BCBA exam. These practice questions test your ability to identify and apply DRA, DRO, DRI, DRL, and DRD in real-world scenarios.
Table of Contents
- What Are Differential Reinforcement Practice Questions?
- 5 BCBA Differential Reinforcement Practice Questions
- Common Traps to Avoid
- Exam Preparation Checklist
- Ready for More?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Each question includes a scenario, four answer choices, a detailed rationale, and exam traps to watch for.
5 BCBA Differential Reinforcement Practice Questions
Test your knowledge with these exam-style questions. Answers and explanations follow each question.
Question 1:
Scenario: A child frequently whines to gain access to a tablet. The behavior analyst instructs parents to provide the tablet only when the child asks politely (without whining) and to ignore whining.
Prompt: Which differential reinforcement procedure is being implemented?
- A. DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior)
- B. DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior)
- C. DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior)
- D. DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates)
Correct Answer: A
Why This Answer Is Correct: DRA reinforces a specific alternative behavior (polite request) while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior (whining).
Why the Other Options Are Wrong:
- DRO reinforces any behavior other than the target, not a specific alternative.
- DRI reinforces a physically incompatible behavior, but polite request is not physically incompatible with whining.
- DRL reinforces lower rates, but here the target is to eliminate whining entirely, not just reduce frequency.
Exam Trap: Confusing DRA with DRI. Remember: DRA reinforces any alternative response; DRI requires the alternative to be physically incompatible.
Question 2:
Scenario: A student with autism engages in hand-flapping during independent work. The teacher sets a timer for 5 minutes and delivers a reinforcer if no hand-flapping occurs during that interval.
Prompt: Which differential reinforcement procedure is being used?
- A. DRA
- B. DRO
- C. DRI
- D. DRD
Correct Answer: B
Why This Answer Is Correct: DRO delivers reinforcement if the problem behavior does not occur during a specified time interval. The absence of hand-flapping is reinforced.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong:
- DRA would require an alternative specific behavior.
- DRI would require a physically incompatible behavior.
- DRD (differential reinforcement of diminishing rates) is not a standard term; DRL is used for low rates, but here the goal is zero occurrence.
Exam Trap: DRO is often confused with DRL. DRO reinforces omission of behavior for a period; DRL reinforces lower rates.
Question 3:
Scenario: A client engages in excessive hand washing (40 times per day). The goal is to reduce hand washing to 5 times per day. The therapist provides a reinforcer only if hand washing occurs 5 or fewer times per day.
Prompt: What differential reinforcement procedure is this?
- A. DRA
- B. DRO
- C. DRL
- D. DRD
Correct Answer: C
Why This Answer Is Correct: DRL reinforces lower rates of the behavior. Here, the reinforcer is delivered when the rate is at or below a specified limit.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong:
- DRA would target an alternative behavior.
- DRO would reinforce the absence of hand washing for a period, not a reduced rate.
- DRD is not a standard term; this is DRL.
Exam Trap: DRO vs DRL: DRO aims for zero occurrence; DRL allows reduced but still some occurrence.
Question 4:
Scenario: A child engages in mouthing objects. The behavior analyst teaches the child to play with a toy that requires both hands, making mouthing impossible during that activity. The child receives praise for using the toy appropriately.
Prompt: Which procedure is being used?
- A. DRA
- B. DRO
- C. DRI
- D. DRL
Correct Answer: C
Why This Answer Is Correct: DRI reinforces a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior. Using both hands for a toy prevents mouthing simultaneously.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong:
- DRA would reinforce a different but not necessarily incompatible behavior.
- DRO reinforces the absence of mouthing but does not specify an alternative.
- DRL would reduce mouthing frequency, not replace it with an incompatible activity.
Exam Trap: If the alternative behavior makes the problem behavior physically impossible, it’s DRI.
Question 5:
Scenario: A teenager with brain injury frequently interrupts others. The team wants to reduce interruptions but not eliminate them entirely. They set a goal of no more than 3 interruptions per 30-minute session and provide a reward if that limit is met.
Prompt: Which differential reinforcement procedure is being applied?
- A. DRA
- B. DRO
- C. DRL
- D. DRH
Correct Answer: C
Why This Answer Is Correct: DRL reinforces low rates (≤3 interruptions per session). The behavior is allowed but at a reduced level.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong:
- DRA would require a specific alternative behavior.
- DRO would reinforce the absence of interruptions for a period, aiming for zero.
- DRH reinforces high rates, which is opposite of the goal.
Exam Trap: DRH (differential reinforcement of high rates) is the opposite; watch for the goal direction.
Common Traps to Avoid
These mistakes frequently appear in BCBA exam questions on differential reinforcement.
- Confusing DRI with DRA: DRI requires physical incompatibility; DRA does not.
- Using DRO when the goal is to reduce but not eliminate behavior (should be DRL).
- Selecting DRA when two behaviors are physically incompatible (actually DRI).
- Applying DRO to behaviors that occur at high rates without considering practicality.
Exam Preparation Checklist
- Define each type of differential reinforcement: DRA, DRO, DRI, DRL, DRH.
- Identify the target behavior and the desired outcome (increase, decrease, eliminate).
- Match the procedure to the behavioral goal: DRA for alternative, DRO for omission, DRI for incompatible, DRL for low rates.
- Practice with scenario-based questions to distinguish similar procedures.
- Review ethics: Obtain client consent and use least restrictive procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between DRA and DRI?
A: DRA reinforces any alternative behavior that is not the problem behavior. DRI reinforces a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior, making it impossible to perform both at once.
Q: When should I use DRO instead of DRL?
A: Use DRO when the goal is to completely eliminate a behavior (reinforce its absence during a time interval). Use DRL when the behavior is acceptable but needs to occur at a lower rate.
Q: Can a behavior be maintained with DRL?
A: Yes, DRL can be used to maintain a behavior at a low, acceptable rate, such as a few interruptions per session or limited food intake.
References
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