Compare the various forms of differential reinforcement that you can use when working with a client, namely, differential reinforcement of other, differential reinforcement of incompatible, differential reinforcement of low or higher rates, and differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors; be sure to discuss specific considerations and unintended effects associated with each form.
Part Two: Apply Differential Reinforcement to a Case
For each DR procedure identify a specific client of choice, a problem behavior, the hypothesized function of the problem behavior, a replacement behavior, and the process for identifying reinforcers as appropriate. The same hypothetical case can be used, as appropriate, for more than one DR procedure. However, the case must match the intended outcome of the DR process being discussed, so more than one case scenario may be necessary.
Design examples for each (DRO, DRA, DRI, and DRL/DRH) where you would clearly want to use one method of differential reinforcement over the other. Explain how you would calculate the initial schedule of reinforcement for each example taking baseline measures into consideration. Discuss whether the process of extinction would be integrated into the various differential reinforcement procedures and provide a rationale for your determination. Then, articulate how you would go about thinning the schedules of reinforcement to promote maintenance and generalization of behavior by transferring stimulus control to naturally occurring contingencies.
Sample Solution