Differential reinforcement of other behavior increases untargeted behavior

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Operant Conditioning
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is primarily recognized for reducing target behaviors.
• The potential for DRO to inadvertently strengthen other, non-target behaviors has been largely overlooked.
• Understanding the full effects of DRO is crucial for effective behavior modification strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent to which reinforcer presentation in a DRO schedule strengthens other, non-target responses.
• To compare the effects of DRO, extinction, and fixed-time (FT) schedules on both target and other behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A human-operant procedure was employed with 13 college-student participants.
• Three treatment schedules were implemented: DRO, extinction, and fixed time (FT).
• A computer program managed unsignaled contingency changes, delivering reinforcers only upon completion of the DRO interval for the target response.

Main Results:

• All participants showed more other responses than target responses during at least one DRO exposure.
• Extinction schedules resulted in a slight increase in other behavior, but rates remained lower than target responses.
• During FT schedules, 7 of 13 participants never emitted the other response.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that DRO schedules can have response-strengthening effects on other behaviors.
• The study provides empirical support for the dual impact of DRO: reducing target behaviors while potentially increasing others.
• Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and implications of DRO-induced response strengthening.