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Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is a procedure that provides reinforcement when a specified target behavior does not occur during a stated interval or at a stated check. In ABA, DRO focuses on the absence of the target behavior rather than requiring one particular replacement response.
For related vocabulary, visit the ABA terms page to review terms used in behavior-support plans.
How Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior Works#
A DRO arrangement identifies a behavior for reduction and defines the condition for reinforcement. The condition may require the target behavior to remain absent for an entire interval, or it may require the behavior to be absent at one designated observation point.
These are original study examples. In practice, the RBT follows the supervising clinician’s written plan and requests direction when instructions are unclear; the RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.), task E.2, calls for seeking clinical direction from a supervisor.
The RBT Test Content Outline (3rd ed.) states in task D.3 that RBTs implement differential reinforcement procedures and lists DRO as an example.
A fictional plan might identify desk tapping as the target behavior. The learner earns a token after three minutes without desk tapping. The token depends on meeting the absence criterion, not simply on the timer reaching three minutes.
A written DRO plan commonly identifies these parts:
- Target behavior: The behavior named for reduction, such as yelling, tapping, or throwing materials.
- Timing rule: The interval or designated check point used to evaluate behavior.
- Absence criterion: The condition that must be met before reinforcement is delivered.
- Reinforcer: The item, activity, token, or consequence stated in the plan.
- Directions after behavior occurs: The response specified if the target behavior happens.
DRO is organized around a consequence decision: whether the stated absence criterion was met. A timer is useful only when the written plan connects reinforcement to the target behavior being absent.
Whole-Interval and Momentary DRO#
Whole-interval DRO and momentary DRO use different timing rules. The target behavior may be the same, but the observation needed for the reinforcement decision differs.
| DRO format | Observation rule | Reinforcement criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-interval DRO | Observe the entire interval. | The target behavior did not occur during the full interval. |
| Momentary DRO | Check at a stated point. | The target behavior is absent at that check. |
| Plan-specific response | Follow directions after an occurrence. | The written plan states when another opportunity begins. |
With whole-interval DRO, an occurrence at any point means the full interval was not behavior-free. With momentary DRO, the decision is based on behavior at the stated check point unless the written plan names an additional condition.
Go to whole-interval recording to distinguish observing an entire interval from using a whole interval as a DRO criterion. Go to momentary time sampling to review observation at one specified point in time.
Original study examples and non-examples#
| Scenario | Classification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| A learner has no yelling during a complete four-minute interval and then receives the stated point. | Whole-interval DRO criterion met | The target behavior remained absent throughout the interval. |
| A learner called out earlier but is not calling out at a designated timer check and receives the stated point. | Momentary DRO criterion met | The criterion concerns behavior at the designated check point. |
| A learner receives a point at every timer signal whether or not desk tapping occurred. | Not DRO | Delivery does not depend on the target behavior being absent. |
A timer alone does not make a procedure DRO. If an item or activity is delivered after time passes without regard to the target behavior, delivery is not based on an absence criterion. Go to noncontingent reinforcement to compare behavior-independent delivery with a behavior-based condition.
DRO Compared With Related Procedures#
DRO does not require one named replacement response. A learner may engage in different appropriate activities while meeting a DRO criterion, as long as the target behavior is absent under the plan’s timing rule.
| Procedure | Reinforcement depends on |
|---|---|
| DRO | Absence of a named target behavior during an interval or at a check. |
| DRA | A specified alternative behavior. |
| DRI | A behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the target behavior. |
| DRL | A reduced level of behavior under a stated limit. |
| FCT | A functional communication response. |
For example, a learner who earns a break by handing over a break card is not meeting a DRO condition. The break-card response is the condition for reinforcement.
Go to functional communication training when the relevant response is communication. Go to differential reinforcement to compare differential reinforcement procedures and FCT. Go to DRA versus DRO versus DRI for a direct comparison of those procedures.
Worked DRO Timer Example#
Consider a fictional plan for calling out during independent work. The plan uses a four-minute whole-interval DRO. The learner earns one point when calling out does not occur for the complete interval.
During the first interval, the learner completes work without calling out. When the timer ends, the absence criterion has been met, so the RBT delivers the stated point.
During the next interval, the learner calls out after two minutes. The whole-interval criterion is not met because calling out occurred before the interval ended. What happens next depends on the written directions; a reset is not assumed for every DRO arrangement.
Now consider a momentary DRO arrangement for the same target behavior. The learner calls out earlier in the interval but is not calling out when the timer signals. Under the stated momentary criterion, the relevant observation is behavior when the timer signals.
Try the free RBT practice test.
Practice Questions#
1. A written plan uses whole-interval DRO for yelling. Maya earns a sticker after each two-minute period with no yelling. The timer signals, and Maya has not yelled during the period. What should the RBT do next?
A Correct. The behavior-free interval ended, so the stated criterion was met.
B Worksheet completion is not the reinforcement condition in the stem.
C The stem does not state that timing ends or work changes.
D The sticker is earned after the interval, not before it starts.
2. A momentary DRO plan provides one point when shouting is absent at the timer signal. Theo shouted earlier in the interval but is quiet when the timer signals. What should the RBT do next?
A The stem does not state that a new interval is required before the decision.
B Correct. Theo is quiet at the stated momentary check.
C The plan uses a momentary check rather than a full quiet interval.
D Earlier shouting does not invalidate a momentary check when Theo is quiet at the signal; it does not require stopping the procedure.
3. A written plan uses a four-minute whole-interval DRO for desk tapping. The learner earns a music break after four full minutes without tapping. Tapping occurs at 1:00, and the plan says to restart the timer immediately after tapping. Which later observation would first qualify for the music break?
A From the reset at 1:00 to 4:00 is only three minutes.
B This time is later than the first qualifying observation.
C Correct. Four minutes have passed without tapping since the reset.
D The stem identifies the reset at 1:00 as the relevant starting point.
4. A momentary DRO plan addresses shouting during group work. At a timer signal, the RBT must apply the behavior criterion before delivering a point. What should the RBT do first?
A A timer signal alone does not establish that the criterion was met.
B A quiet-hand response is not identified as the criterion in the stem.
C The plan uses a momentary check rather than a full quiet interval.
D Correct. The RBT checks the target behavior at the stated signal.
5. A whole-interval DRO plan provides music after three minutes with no desk tapping. Lee taps the desk two minutes into the interval. At the original end time, what should the RBT do?
A Desk tapping occurred during the stated interval.
B Correct. The full behavior-free interval required for music was not met.
C A break-card response is not part of the plan described in the stem.
D Sitting near the desk is not the stated reinforcement condition.
FAQ
What is DRO in ABA?
DRO means differential reinforcement of other behavior. It provides reinforcement when a named target behavior does not occur under the timing rule stated in the written plan.
What does DRO stand for in ABA?
DRO stands for differential reinforcement of other behavior. The word “other” refers to behavior other than the target behavior identified for reduction.
Is DRO an antecedent strategy?
DRO is a consequence arrangement because reinforcement is delivered after the RBT evaluates whether the stated absence criterion was met.
How does DRO differ from DRA?
DRO reinforces the absence of a target behavior. DRA reinforces a stated alternative behavior. Requesting a break can be an alternative behavior, while remaining free of desk tapping can meet a DRO criterion.
How does DRO reduce problem behavior?
DRO arranges reinforcement for intervals or check points in which the target behavior is absent. The written plan identifies the target behavior, timing rule, and consequence condition.