Which procedure decreases problem behavior by reinforcement contingent on a behavior that is topographically incompatible with the behavior targeted for reduction and withheld following instances of the problem behavior?

• A. DRO
• B. DRA
• C. DRI
• D. Escape Extinction

Answer: (C)

The key idea is reinforcing a response that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior and withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior. This approach makes the replacement behavior physically incompatible with the target behavior, so when the individual performs the incompatible behavior, the problem behavior cannot occur, and it is not reinforced after instances of the problem behavior. Over time, this strengthens the non-problem behavior and reduces the problem behavior because the two cannot coexist.

This is the best choice because it directly targets the physical impossibility of the two behaviors happening together, while still providing reinforcement for a desirable alternative. Using a different strategy that simply reinforces any other behavior after a set interval (without requiring incompatibility) or reinforces an alternative that may not be incompatible allows the problem behavior to persist in some situations. And a procedure that focuses on removing or denying escape from demands operates on function and consequence timing rather than building an incompatible competing response. An example would be teaching a child to raise a hand and wait calmly as an incompatible alternative to yelling for attention, with attention only given for the calm hand-raise and not for the problem behavior.