Question

At what point during the implementation of DRO is the time interval increased?

a. when the problem behavior continues to occur at a high level
b. when the reinforcer is being delivered after most intervals
c. the time interval is not increased in DRO
d. A and B

Answer 1

C. The time interval in DRO is increased when the reinforcer is being delivered after most intervals, meaning the individual is avoiding the problem behavior for the duration of the interval. The correct answer is when the reinforcer is being delivered after most intervals (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO), which is a procedure used in operant conditioning. The time interval in a DRO is increased when the reinforcer is being delivered after most intervals, indicating that the problem behavior is at a low enough level for the criteria to be tougher. The aim is to extend the intervals without the target behavior occurring.

Typically, the interval is initially set at a short time where the subject can successfully avoid the problem behavior and earn the reinforcer. As the subject gets better at suppressing the behavior, the interval is increased. If the problem behavior occurs at a high level, increasing the interval would be counterproductive, as reinforcement would seldom occur, and the DRO procedure would not offer enough incentive for behavioral change.