DNRO-Differential Negative Reinforcement of Other Behaviors

Introduction

Differential Negative Reinforcement of Other behaviors (DNRO) is among the four replacement behavior options that can be applied in the treatment of the problem behavior. This reinforcement mechanism functions by permitting any response other than the specific target behavior. This is to treat problematic behaviors through the use of negative reinforcement.

This procedure results in a decrease in the undesired behavior since the functional behavior reinforced increases with time, eliminating the initial inappropriate behavior. Other behavior replacement mechanisms include the escape mand, alternate direct escape, and the Premack contingency option. An example of a DNRO application is when dealing with a child who throws tantrums during instructional activities.

Application of DNRO

To apply the DNRO procedure in eliminating undesired behavior, identifying the problem behavior is mandatory. Then, assessing the timeframe in which the individual should not perform the behavior is also vital. These two requirements are the determinants of how DNRO will be applied. An example is a student who avoids/disregards instructional activities.

During this specific time, the teacher requires full cooperation for the success of the project. However, this particular student throws tantrums by yelling at the teacher during the activity. As a frustrated teacher, they would terminate the instructional activity, and this may have become an aversive stimulus that maintains the habit.

Addressing the Problem

As a specialist, tackling this problem may require time. To decrease the problematic behavior, negative reinforcement can be applied. This involves putting a consequence on each time a target behavior occurs. For instance, if the child does not yell during the instructional activity, then they are given free time to either read their favorite book or even play the school piano. This is to increase the student’s tolerance in class to attain this reinforcer each time. As time passes, the child will eventually get used to tolerating the instructional activity, which increases the targeted behavior.

The DNRO technique

The DNRO technique relies on a deep understanding of contingency. The teacher or the therapist applying the DNRO technique on a stubborn student must study the relationship between the problem behavior and the target behavior. The reason is that all behaviors occur as a response to an antecedent that is driven by the consequence. In this case, negative reinforcement will trigger tolerance, which is the target behavior that will eliminate the throwing of tantrums during instructional activity.

Conclusion

Differential Negative Reinforcement aims at strengthening behaviors that are incompatible with the problem behavior. Tolerance is incompatible with a dislike of instructional activity. Therefore, using negative reinforcement reduces undesired behavior while increasing the desired behavior. The systematic identification of the problem behavior determines the success of the technique. The reason is that it helps in understanding the problem being eliminated and the time frame in which negative reinforcement can be applied to achieve the desired behavior.