Final answer:
To decrease frequent undesired behaviors, two procedures used are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). DRI reinforces a behavior that cannot co-occur with the undesired behavior, while DRO reinforces the absence of the undesired behavior within a set time frame.
Step-by-step explanation:
To decrease a behavior that an individual displays too frequently, two differential reinforcement procedures are commonly used: differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). DRI involves reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with the undesired behavior, which means the two cannot occur simultaneously. For instance, if a child is frequently shouting, teaching and reinforcing the child to speak in a whisper would be a use of DRI, as one cannot shout and whisper at the same time.
On the other hand, DRO focuses on reinforcing the absence of the problem behavior within a specific time frame. If the undesired behavior does not occur within that time, a reinforcer is given, but if the behavior does occur, the clock resets. For example, if a student is often out of their seat without permission, they could be reinforced for every interval they remain seated.
These processes differ from procedures such as continuous reinforcement, where a behavior is rewarded every time it occurs, setting the stage for the behavior to become more frequent. Instead, by using DRI and DRO, undesired behaviors can be systematically reduced while simultaneously promoting positive alternatives or reinforcing periods of non-occurrence.