Which procedure reduces problem behavior by reinforcing a behavior that is topographically incompatible with the problem behavior?

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

Answer: (C)

Reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior reduces the problem by making the incompatible alternative the way to meet the situation. This approach works because the two actions are mutually exclusive; when the person adopts the incompatible behavior, they physically can’t produce the problem behavior, so the reinforcement strengthens the alternative and the problem behavior tends to decline.

For example, if a student yells to gain attention, reinforcing a quieter, raised-hand response provides a competing behavior that cannot happen at the same moment as yelling. Over time, the quieter, raised-hand response becomes more frequent, and yelling decreases.

Other strategies differ in what they reinforce. Reinforcing an acceptable alternative without requiring incompatibility may still allow the problem behavior to occur alongside the alternative. Reinforcing any behavior other than the problem behavior (not just one that’s incompatible) is a broader concept, and extinction procedures focused on escape change how the student can avoid demands rather than reinforcing an incompatible behavior.