Final answer:
For DRA to be effective, the objective must be to increase a desired behavior, there must be access to a reinforcer, and the behavior should already occur to some extent. These conditions are integral to shaping behavior through positive reinforcement in operant conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) to be used:
All of these conditions are necessary: The goal is to increase desirable behavior, you have access to a reinforcer, and you can use the behavior that already occurs. DRA involves reinforcing a desirable behavior that serves as an alternative to an unwanted behavior, effectively increasing the frequency of the desirable behavior.
Positive reinforcement is key in teaching new behaviors. In operant conditioning, reinforcement follows a target behavior to strengthen it, shaping behavior in desired ways. Additionally, shaping is a process where successive approximations of a behavior are reinforced, gradually leading to the desired behavior.
To use DRA effectively, all conditions must be met: The desirable behavior should be an outcome, a reinforcer must be present to encourage the behavior, and the behavior should already be occurring at some level to allow for its recognition and reinforcement.