Differential Reinforcement of Low Rate Schedules Reduce Severe Problem Behavior.

Differential Reinforcement of Low Rate Schedules Reduce Severe Problem Behavior. Behav Modif. 2017 Sep 01;:145445517731723 Authors: Bonner AC, Borrero JC Abstract Differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) schedules are reinforcement contingencies designed to reduce response rates. A common variation of the DRL arrangement is known as full-session DRL ( f-DRL), in which a reinforcer is presented at the end of an interval if the response rate during that interval is below a predetermined criterion. Prior human operant research involving arbitrary mouse clicks has shown that the f-DRL is likely to reduce target responding to near zero rates. Similarly, applied research has shown that the f-DRL is likely to reduce minimally disruptive classroom behavior. There are, however, relatively few successful applications of the f-DRL to severe forms of problem behavior (e.g., self-injurious behavior). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of f-DRL on the severe problem behavior of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For four participants, the f-DRL reduced severe problem behavior by clinically significant levels. Furthermore, results of a contingency strength analysis showed a strong negative contingency strength between target responding and reinforcer delivery for all participants. PMID: 28922928 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Behavior Modification - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Behav Modif Source Type: research