What is DRH (Differential Reinforcement of High rates of behavior) designed to do?

Differential Reinforcement of High rates of behavior (DRH) is designed specifically to reinforce a learner’s high rates of desired behavior while simultaneously reducing low rates of that behavior. This approach is effective in promoting and maintaining high levels of engagement in particular behaviors, encouraging individuals to exhibit the target behavior more frequently.

By focusing on reinforcing higher rates, this method helps build consistency and frequency in behavior, ultimately fostering a positive learning environment. It creates a framework where the target behavior is more likely to be repeated since individuals learn that they are rewarded for engaging in that behavior at higher frequencies.

The other options involve concepts that do not align with the goal of DRH. For example, encouraging low rates of behavior does not promote the desired outcome, while extinguishing all behavioral responses conflicts with the reinforcement strategy aimed at increasing specific behaviors. Furthermore, enforcing strict consequences does not focus on the reinforcement aspect but rather on punishment or correction, which is not the purpose of DRH. Understanding this core principle of reinforcing high rates clarifies why this approach is considered beneficial in behavioral contexts.