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Updated: May 29, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
Published on: May 14, 2019
Using differential reinforcement of low rates to reduce children's requests for teacher attention
Jennifer L Austin1, Deborah Bevan
1Division of Psychology, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, United Kingdom. jlaustin@glam.ac.uk
Abstract:
We evaluated the effectiveness of full-session differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior (DRL) on 3 primary school children's rates of requesting attention from their teacher. Using baseline rates of responding and teacher recommendations, we set a DRL schedule that was substantially lower than baseline yet still allowed the children access to teacher assistance. The DRL schedule was effective in reducing children's requests for assistance and approval, and the teacher found the intervention highly useful and acceptable. The possible mechanisms that account for behavior change using full-session DRL schedules are discussed.
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