Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL)
Reinforcing a behavior only when it occurs at or below a set rate, used to reduce a behavior that is acceptable at low levels but not too often.
DRL is used for behaviors that are fine in moderation but a problem when they happen too often, such as asking questions, raising a hand, calling out answers, asking for reassurance or eating too quickly. The goal is to reduce the behavior, not eliminate it.
There are three common versions. In full-session DRL, reinforcement is delivered at the end of the session if the total number of responses is at or below the criterion. In interval DRL, the session is divided into intervals and reinforcement is delivered for each interval in which responses stayed at or below the criterion. In spaced-responding DRL, a response is reinforced only if a minimum amount of time has passed since the last response (a minimum interresponse time), which is useful for pacing behavior such as taking bites of food.
The supervisor sets the starting criterion from baseline data and gradually lowers the allowed rate (or lengthens the required spacing) as the client succeeds. DRL is usually not appropriate for dangerous behaviors such as aggression or self-injury, because it allows some occurrences.
The RBT counts responses or times the spacing accurately, delivers reinforcement only when the criterion is met, and records every response. Explaining the rule to the client, if the plan includes that, can help them track their own responses.
Example and non-example
| Example | A student asks "Is it time to go?" about 15 times per class. The plan says the student earns a preferred activity at the end of class if they ask 6 times or fewer, and the criterion will drop over time. |
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| Non-example | A plan gives a client a reinforcer for each 10-minute period with no aggression at all. Reinforcement requires zero occurrences, which is DRO, not DRL. |
Don't confuse it with
| Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) | DRO requires the behavior not to occur at all during the interval, while DRL allows the behavior at or below a low criterion rate. |
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| Rate | Rate is a measure of count per unit of time, while DRL is a procedure that reinforces behavior when its rate stays at or below a criterion. |
Test yourself
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Question 1A student asks the teacher for help about 20 times in each class period. The goal is for the student to keep asking but less often, so the plan gives the student a reward for asking 5 or fewer times in the period. Which procedure is this?
Show answer
D: DRL. Reinforcing the behavior when it occurs at or below a set number in a period is differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL).
- A: DRO would require no asking at all during the interval.
- B: DRA reinforces a different behavior; here the same behavior is reinforced at a lower rate.
- C: DRI reinforces a behavior incompatible with the target.
Task D.3 · 40-hour curriculum section E
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Question 2A plan uses spaced-responding DRL: a client earns a token for a question to staff only if at least 3 minutes have passed since the previous question. Questions occur at 0:00, 2:00, 5:30, 7:00 and 10:30. Not counting the first question, which questions earn a token?
Show answer
A: 5:30 and 10:30. Check the time since the previous question: 2:00 (2 minutes, too soon), 5:30 (3.5 minutes, earns), 7:00 (1.5 minutes, too soon), 10:30 (3.5 minutes, earns).
- B: These are the questions that came less than 3 minutes after the previous one.
- C: 10:30 came 3.5 minutes after the 7:00 question, so it also meets the criterion.
- D: Two of the questions came less than 3 minutes after the previous one.
Task D.3 · 40-hour curriculum section E
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Question 3When is DRL the most fitting procedure?
Show answer
C: When a behavior is fine at low rates but occurs too often. DRL reduces the rate of a behavior without eliminating it, so it fits behaviors that are acceptable in moderation, such as asking questions.
- A: DRL still allows some of the behavior, so it does not fit dangerous behavior.
- B: DRL is used to reduce an existing behavior, not to build a new one.
- D: Reinforcing an incompatible behavior is DRI.
Task D.3 · 40-hour curriculum section E
Answer every question to see your score.
On the RBT exam
This term belongs to task D.3 Differential reinforcement in content area D, Behavior Reduction, which is 14 of the 75 scored questions.