Dana Do’s: What’s the Difference Between DRL and DRD?

There is a lot of confusion about the differences between DRL and DRD. Understandably. It is described differently in different resources, which is the reason for the confusion. In older resources, DRL is described as a procedure that reduces the rate of responding by setting a criteria of time between responses. That is basically an IRT criteria. Longer IRT between responses means fewer responses. That is your lower rate DRL, like reinforcing a response that occurs after two minutes or more.

In contrast, these sources claim that DRD decreases the rate by using a rate criteria, like reinforcing a behavior that occurs three times or less in a given period of time. A more current explanation is that the DRL procedure has three variations

1. Based responding DRL: akin to old school IRT criteria
2. Full session DRL: a client must meet a predetermined rate criteria or less over an entire session.
3. Interval DRL: it takes that full session, breaks it into smaller intervals of time, during which the client must meet a predetermined rate criteria or less, within this shorter interval of time.

This particular source, namely, 3^rd edition white book, essentially likens the DRD procedure to a full session and interval DRL procedure. If they’re the same thing, then why do we need all three? In my differential reinforcement travels, I’ve found other resources that add this: a DRD involves a gradually decreasing rate criteria that can even go to a zero criteria, eliminating the behavior altogether. Versus, full session and/or interval DRL is only meant to decrease it to at least one response and not eliminate it.

Related Content

Dana Do's: Fun Fact About Using DRA

You know how the textbooks say that there are two parts to differential reinforcement, one being reinforcement for the desired behavior and the other extinction for the target behavior? Applying…

Differential reinforcement

Procedures used to eliminate, reduce, and increase behaviors that involve providing reinforcement for one response class and withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of challenging behavior above or below a pre-determined…

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA)

A differential reinforcement procedure used to eliminate challenging behaviors. It involves withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing reinforcement for a specific functionally equivalent alternative behavior.

Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI)

A variation of the differential reinforcement of alternative behavior procedures used to eliminate challenging behaviors. It involves withholding reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing reinforcement for…

Differential negative reinforcement of incompatible or alternative behavior (DNRI & DNRA)

A differential reinforcement procedure used to reduce or eliminate challenging behavior that involves withholding negative reinforcement for the occurrence of the challenging behavior and providing negative reinforcement for a functionally…

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO)

A differential reinforcement procedure in which reinforcement is delivered contingent on the absence/omission of the challenging behavior during a specific time period or moment in time.

Differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL)

A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or below a pre-established rate during…

Differential reinforcement of high rates of responding (DRH)

A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or above a pre-established rate during…

Differential reinforcement of diminishing rates of responding (DRD)

A procedure in which reinforcement is delivered at the end of an interval if the target behavior occurs at a lower than preestablished rate criterion. The rate criteria is gradually…

Dana Do's: Clarifying Confusion Between Derived Stimulus Relation and Stimulus Equivalence

PTB founder Dana Meller clarifies confusion to explain derived stimulus relation vs. stimulus equivalence.

Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining

Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear.

Dana Do's: Considerations for Exam Questions Related to the Use of Punishment

Punishment is known to have a quick impact on behavior, but there are ethical implications which makes it very controversial. PTB founder Dana Meller offers some considerations when encountering exam questions related to punishment.

Dana Do's: Exploring the Forms and Functions of Noncontingent Reinforcements (NCR)

Let’s talk contingency independent antecedent intervention… Or, in simpler terms, NCR. Get the scoop on this non-invasive procedure with a quick explainer from PTB founder Dana Meller.

Dana Do's: 8 Guidelines for Using Modeling

Get ready to model as PTB founder Dana Meller walks you through the eight specific guidelines for using modeling.

Dana Do's: Can Changing Criterion Design be Used to Evaluate Shaping Programs?

Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends.

Dana Do's: What is the Difference Between Trial-Based and Free-Operant Teaching Arrangements?

Not too sure about discriminating between the different teaching arrangements? Not to worry. PTB founder Dana Meller is here to explain trial-based vs free operant procedures.

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Response vs. Stimulus Prompts?

If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between DRL and DRD?

Depending on the source, you can get some conflicting information about DRL vs DRD. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a more current look at these two reinforcement procedures.

PTB's Special ABA Sauce: Mastering the ABCs of Behavior

Test your understanding of the ABCs of Behavior with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she analyzes a tasty scenario to identify the MO, SD, prompt, behavior, and consequence using PTB's special ABC breakdown method. Discover how ordering extra sauce serves as a perfect example to unravel the intricate relationship between MOs, deprivation, SDs, and reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-1: Define and provide examples of behavior, response, and response class, B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control, B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Dana Do's: Extinguished Behaviors Resurge

When reinforcement for the alternative replacement behavior is discontinued, extinction for the alternative behavior can resurge.

Dana Do's: Do Alternative Behaviors Need to be Functionally Equivalent?

Do alternative behaviors always have to be functionally equivalent to the target behavior that we're trying to reduce or eliminate? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks in down.

10 Positive Effects From Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care. It’s a bit of a broad term, and a total buzzword these days. It’s often used in the context of bubble baths and “unplugging.” But, at its core, self-care is about more than just “me-time.” It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Dana Do's: How to Know if Your Study Activities are Effective

How do you know if your BCBA® study activities are effective? PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares some key analysis that may help BCBA® exam candidates assess efficacy.

Dana Do's: Careful About Getting Creative With Mock Exams

PTB co-founder cautions candidates about using the actual BCBA® exam as a mock exam, listing all the reasons why you might want to reconsider getting creative with your mock exam prep experience.

Dana Do's: Warning. Be Careful of Extremes.

PTB co-founder Dana Meller sends an important warning for test takers. Watch out for extremes in exam questions and answer options.

Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams in Your Study Plan

I was recently asked if mock exams are useful in predicting how someone will do on the actual big exam. And, is repeating the same mock exam an effective study…

Dana Do's: Which Group Contingency Do I Use?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the three different interventions, related by the group. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.

Dana Do's: Relating, Framing and Equating

Relating, framing and equating. PTB co-founder Dana Meller drills into the generalizability of relational frame theory, equivalence-based instruction, and stimulus equivalence. Would you believe they all go together? Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-15: Define and provide examples of derived stimulus relations; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization; G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Dana Do's: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity

It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal and external validity apart. PTB co-founder Dana Meller has some tips to do just that.

Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When?

The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting Components

Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about contingency contracts and their importance in behavior management. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the three essential elements of a contingency contract and how they can be effectively implemented to achieve behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-19: Use contingency contracting.

Matching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge Yourself

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews matching-to-sample procedures, focusing on one specific method where stimuli are not physically identical but have a symbolic relationship. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA®

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Not All Conditioned Reinforcers Are Created Equal

Let's understand the concept and versatility of Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers (GCSRs) and their crucial role in behavior management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-8: Define and provide examples of unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers and punishers and G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.

Dana Do's: Response Blocking vs. Extinction

Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Dana Do's: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating between response and stimulus prompts. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading)

MiniBig

 

PTB MiniBig: Fast, Flexible, and Focused Exam Prep

The PTB MiniBig enables BCBA® exam prep candidates to tailor their study needs by popping in on single sessions of the intensive PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. Each 3.5-hour session, focused on specific sections of the Task List, includes a mock exam followed by real-time, live, interactive feedback and access to live session replays, without committing to the full workshop.

Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained

Learn about an interesting phenomenon related to verbal cues motivating individuals without tangible reinforcement. PTB co-founder Dana Meller also shares an example of research conducted with little kids. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior; and G-6: Use instructions and rules.

Antecedent Intervention ➠ Increasing Compliance with the Art of Timing

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the high-probability request sequence (high-p). Learn how the high-p serves as an effective antecedent intervention and compliance-building strategy. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; and G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Conditioned Reinforcer in This Scenario

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a specific type of conditioned reinforcer. Included is a description of generalized conditioned reinforcers and corresponding examples. Additionally, Dana shares a good rule of thumb for your exam about which stimuli are always identified as generalized conditioned reinforcers. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Behavior Reduction Procedures

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the utilization of behavior reduction procedures to decrease challenging behavior. Included is a description of extinction, positive punishment, as well as non-contingent reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-14 Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR); G-15: Use extinction and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Test your Knowledge of ABA Educational Methodologies ➠ Exploring PSI & Key Concepts

Test your instructional methodologies knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses PSI (Personalized System of Instruction), highlighting essential keywords and key figures associated with PSI to enhance your understanding of this personalized approach to effective learning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Unwanted Effects in Responding

Test your knowledge of reinforcement and punishment procedures. PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the temporary effect in responding that is expected to occur during the implementation of the treatment procedures. Included, Dana contrasts the occurrence of a temporary increase in challenging behavior in an extinction procedure. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Dana Do's: Programming Common Stimuli

PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about programming common stimuli and how this method can help students feel more prepared on exam day. Refer to Task List section G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identifying Punishers & Understanding their Impact on Behavior

Test your knowledge of behavior principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of punishers, clarifying their true definition based on their effect on behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Differential Reinforcement Procedure for Problem Behavior Reduction

Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the behavior change procedure, Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL). Dana explains how DRL specifically targets lower rates of responding and shares valuable insights on effectively implementing this technique in behavior management strategies. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Physical Guidance to Prompt a Response

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down BCBA® mock exam question about prompting, a response utilizing physical guidance. Included is a description of graduated guidance, least-to-most, and most-to-least prompting methods, as well as stimulus shape transformations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Parameters for Using Punishment

Test your knowledge of concepts & principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the parameters to consider when using punishment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies, G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects Explained

Test your knowledge of planning interventions with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explained the types of unwanted treatment side effects. Also included is a description of the two types of contrast effects, positive behavioral contrast and negative behavioral contrast, as well as corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast

Put your ABA terminology knowledge to the test with #PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares two commonly confused terms: Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast, and discusses corresponding examples of each. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement, and H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Explore the Reinforcement Procedure Most Similar to Precision Teaching

Test your understanding of behavior-change procedures and ABA educational methodologies with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the specific differential reinforcement procedure most closely connected to Precision Teaching. Here, Dana provides a concise overview of the individualized instructional method, its focus on fluency-building, and some key aspects of the methodology. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements, and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Prompt Dependence

Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about how prompt dependence is defined, and a scenario that identifies prompt dependence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Difference Between Two Ways to Fade Response Prompts

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains with examples, the distinction between two fade response prompts. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).

Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a Contingency Independent Intervention

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the differences between contingency-independent and contingency-dependent interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)

PTB co-founder Dana Meller covers the background of DTT and breaks down the four types. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ DRL vs. DRD

Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key differences between DRL and DRD procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Differential Reinforcement Procedure

Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a specific differential reinforcement procedure. Here, Dana compares and contrasts all of the differential reinforcement procedures: #DRL vs. #,DRD, #DRH, #DRO, as well as #DRA vs. #DRI. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Programming for Generalization: Expanding Skills Beyond the Learning Environment

There are seven ways to program for generalization. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into "Indiscriminable Contingencies". Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Behavioral Momentum

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.

Level Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement Procedures

Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the specific DR procedure to provide the client with reinforcement for exhibiting higher rates of the target behavior(s) that already exist in their repertoire. Additionally, Dana draws parallels to personal experiences and highlights skill areas for which clients could benefit from this SR schedule. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Explore the 2 Types of Negative Reinforcement

Test your understanding of negative reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two specific types and details and nuances using relatable examples that significantly impact our everyday lives. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies and G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior.

Hungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad Cravings

Put your knowledge of motivating operations to the test. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into a specific type of CMO and explains how seemingly innocuous visuals on TV ads can trigger a state of deprivation for the advertised item, resembling the effects of an unconditioned motivating operation. Dana presents an intriguing example highlighting the process of pairing and the associations that can unexpectedly ignite intense cravings. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-2 Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Programming for Generalization

Test your knowledge of behavior-change procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses generative learning and programming for generalization. Dana explains one of the nine procedures for achieving generalization that emphasizes the need to generalize the response across similar stimuli, while recognizing that different stimuli may require different responses. NOTE: Here, Dana mentions there are seven methods for programming for generalization, which is consistent with the literature for the 4th Edition Task List. But, for the 5th Edition Task List, there are additional methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction and G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ What Are The 3 Types of Extinction?

Test your knowledge of Concepts & Principles and Behavior-Change Procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the different types of operant extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction, G-15: Use extinction.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Intervention's Reinforcement Schedule

Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the differences between contingent and non-contingent schedules, focusing on an antecedent-based, response-independent schedule of reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).