Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

What is the goal of a DRI schedule designed to reduce running around the class and tapping other children on the head?

1. Minimizing disruptive behaviors

2. Arranging for the child to earn a reinforcer in the absence of these behaviors

3. Implementing a time-out procedure

4. Encouraging social interactions

The correct answer is: Arranging for the child to earn a reinforcer in the absence of these behaviors

The goal of a Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI) schedule is to arrange for the child to earn a reinforcer in the absence of specific disruptive behaviors, in this case, running around the class and tapping other children on the head. DRI focuses on reinforcing behaviors that are incompatible with the undesired behaviors, meaning the alternative behavior cannot occur at the same time as the challenging behavior. By providing reinforcement when the child engages in appropriate, alternative behaviors instead of the disruptive actions, the likelihood of these challenging behaviors diminishes over time. This positive approach promotes skill development and encourages more acceptable forms of engagement, ultimately reducing the disruptive behaviors as reinforcement is only available when the problem behaviors are absent.