Final answer:
Differential reinforcement is combined with time-out and response cost in behavior modification to decrease undesirable behaviors while increasing desirable ones. Time-out and response cost act as negative punishments, removing the child from activities or privileges respectively, when bad behavior is displayed. Differential reinforcement adds to this by providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, creating a comprehensive approach to shaping behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differential Reinforcement in Behavior Modification
Differential reinforcement is used in conjunction with time-out and response cost to modify behavior in a way that decreases unwanted behaviors while simultaneously increasing desirable behaviors. While time-out involves removing a child from a desirable activity as a form of negative punishment for exhibiting an undesirable behavior, it doesn't reinforce the positive behavior that is desired. Similarly, response cost refers to taking something away from the individual when undesired behavior occurs. This again serves as a negative punishment, but doesn't by itself encourage positive replacement behaviors.
By contrast, differential reinforcement involves rewarding behavior that is either an alternative to or incompatible with the undesirable behavior, or simply for the absence of the undesired behavior. This kind of positive reinforcement is important because it teaches and strengthens good behaviors, providing the child with appropriate actions to replace the undesirable ones. For example, rewarding a child for sharing toys instead of punishing simply for taking toys away can encourage cooperative play.
Utilizing all of these methods in combination allows for a more nuanced approach to behavior modification. Time-out and response cost reduce the unwanted actions, while reinforcement strategies actively promote and strengthen desired behaviors.