A kindergarten student exhibits challenging behaviors such as spitting when approached by an adult or peer; the teacher reinforces eye contact instead of spitting. Which strategy is being used?

• A. Differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO)
• B. Differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (DRA)
• C. Differential reinforcement of low rates of behaviors (DRL)
• D. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI)

Answer: (B)

Differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors is being used. The teacher is teaching and reinforcing an appropriate way to respond—eye contact—rather than the problem behavior of spitting. By rewarding the student for making eye contact when approached, the behavior that serves the same social function (seeking attention or signaling engagement) is replaced with a positive alternative, which helps reduce spitting over time.

For context, differential reinforcement of other behaviors would reward any behavior other than the target problem, without specifying a preferred alternative. Differential reinforcement of low rates would aim to reduce how often spitting occurs but not necessarily teach a replacement. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors would require the alternative to be physically impossible to perform at the same time as spitting; eye contact can occur with spitting, so this option isn’t as accurate here.