Related Experiment Videos
Reducing stereotyped behaviour: a comparison of two methods of programming differential reinforcement
1School of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Momentary Differential Reinforcement of Other behaviours (DRO) proved more effective or equally effective compared to whole-interval DRO in reducing stereotyped behaviours. This less intensive schedule offers a promising alternative for applied settings.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Background:
- Differential Reinforcement of Other behaviours (DRO) is effective for reducing challenging behaviors.
- High staff vigilance requirements for traditional DRO can limit its practical application.
- Stereotyped behaviors are a common target for intervention in various populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of whole-interval DRO with momentary DRO.
- To evaluate the feasibility of a less intensive DRO schedule in applied settings.
- To assess the impact on both targeted and non-consequated stereotyped behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-baseline design was employed.
- Two participants with high-rate stereotyped behaviors were studied.
- Whole-interval DRO and momentary DRO schedules were systematically introduced.
Main Results:
- Momentary DRO was more effective than whole-interval DRO for one participant.
- Momentary DRO was equally effective as whole-interval DRO for the second participant.
- Momentary DRO also reduced a secondary, non-consequated stereotyped behavior.
Conclusions:
- Momentary DRO is a viable and potentially more efficient alternative to whole-interval DRO.
- This schedule may enhance the practical implementation of DRO in real-world settings.
- Further research should explore the broader applicability of momentary DRO across different behaviors and populations.