Final answer:
The intervention is Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO), where the instructor reinforces the student for not engaging in hand flapping over a ten-minute interval to reduce the occurrence of this behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intervention being used in the scenario where the instructor reinforces a student for not hand flapping during a ten-minute interval is known as Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO). This technique involves providing reinforcement (a reward or positive outcome) to the individual when the undesired behavior does not occur within a certain period. The goal is to decrease the frequency of the unwanted behavior by reinforcing the absence of it. DRO is an effective behavior modification strategy commonly used in educational and therapeutic settings to encourage positive behaviors and reduce the occurrence of negative or disruptive actions.
In the context provided, the intervention aims to reinforce the absence of hand flapping, which is likely a disruptive or undesired behavior in the classroom setting. The reinforcement provided by the instructor plays a critical role in shaping the student's behavior over time, making it more likely that the student will not engage in the behavior when they know that positive reinforcement is contingent on abstaining from it.