What is characteristic of DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior)?

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI) is a specific behavioral strategy that focuses on reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with a problem behavior, thereby reducing the likelihood of both behaviors occurring at the same time. This method is grounded in the principle that if an individual is engaged in a behavior that cannot coexist with the undesired behavior, it becomes more challenging to display that undesired behavior.

For instance, if a child tends to engage in disruptive behavior while seated, reinforcing them for sitting quietly with appropriate behaviors – such as reading or playing with a toy that requires them to remain in a specific position – serves to encourage the desired behavior while discouraging the problematic one. Since the two behaviors cannot occur simultaneously, the reinforcement of the appropriate behavior effectively reduces the frequency of the undesired action.

The other options do not accurately represent the essence of DRI. Reinforcing any behavior without considering its compatibility does not align with DRI's principle. Similarly, encouraging low rates of behaviors does not focus specifically on incompatible behaviors and ignores the direct reinforcement aspect that makes DRI effective. Lastly, ignoring all behaviors while rewarding one contradicts the focus on actively reinforcing a specific, incompatible behavior to achieve the desired outcome. Consequently, the first option clearly encapsulates the