DRI
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior — Reinforce a behavior that CAN’T happen at the same time as the bad one. Example: Kid bites nails → reinforce keeping hands in pocket (hands in pocket can’t bite nails).
DRA
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior — Reinforce a different, acceptable behavior instead of the bad one. Example: Kid screams to get attention → reinforce raising hand instead.
DRO
Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior — Reinforce ANYTHING other than the bad behavior. Example: Kid hits → reinforce if 5 minutes pass without hitting.
DRL
Differential Reinforcement of Low rates — Reinforce the behavior only if it happens less. Example: Kid interrupts too much → reinforce if only interrupts 2 times instead of 10.
DRH
Differential Reinforcement of High rates — Reinforce the behavior only if it happens more. Example: Kid says “please” only 2x → reinforce if says please 5x.
Rate
The frequency of behavior per unit of time. Example: Child claps 20 times in 10 minutes → Rate = 2 claps per minute.
IRT
Interresponse Time — The amount of time between two responses. Example: Child claps at 2:00 and again at 2:10 → IRT = 10 seconds.
Positive Reinforcement
Add something good to make a behavior more likely. Example: Child cleans room → gets candy → cleans room more.
Negative Reinforcement
Take away something bad/unpleasant to make a behavior more likely. Example: Child does homework → no more nagging → does homework more.
Positive Punishment
Add something unpleasant to make a behavior less likely. Example: Teen swears → gets extra chores → swears less.
Negative Punishment
Take away something good to make a behavior less likely. Example: Child hits sibling → loses TV time → hits less.
Unconditioned Reinforcer
Things that are naturally reinforcing; no learning needed. Example: Food, water, sleep, comfort, warmth.
Conditioned Reinforcer
Learned reinforcers paired with primary reinforcers. Example: Tokens, money, praise, points.
Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)
Reinforce every time the behavior happens. Used for teaching new skills. Example: Child touches toy correctly → gets candy every time.
Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)
Reinforce some of the time. Used for maintaining established skills. Example: Child raises hand sometimes → gets praise occasionally.
Overgeneralization
Learner applies a behavior too broadly in the wrong situations. Example: Child learns ‘red’ is an apple → calls all red things ‘apple’.
Response Generalization
Learner uses different forms of a learned behavior correctly. Example: Learns to say ‘hello’ → waves, nods, or says ‘hi’ instead.
