DRO schedule
Pronunciation: D-R-O schedule
Also written as: DRO — Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior
A reinforcement schedule that provides reinforcement when a target behavior does not occur for a specified period.
Full Definition
A DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior) schedule delivers reinforcement contingent on the absence of a specific target behavior during predetermined intervals. This procedure effectively reduces problem behaviors by reinforcing all other behaviors except the target behavior. DRO schedules can be fixed (consistent intervals) or variable (varying intervals), and the interval length is typically based on baseline data of the target behavior. The procedure is particularly effective for reducing high-frequency behaviors and can be combined with other interventions to teach appropriate replacement behaviors while reducing problematic ones.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the time interval (e.g., DRO-30s) in documentation.
In Context
- "The DRO-30 second schedule provided reinforcement whenever no aggression occurred during 30-second intervals." — Intervention protocol
- "Implementation of a DRO schedule resulted in a 75% reduction in self-injurious behavior over four weeks." — Progress report