Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates (DRD)

DRD (Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates) is a schedule of reinforcement where reinforcement is provided when the number of occurrences of a behavior within a specific time period is less than or equal to a prescribed limit. DRD is used to gradually reduce the frequency of a behavior that is occurring too often but is not necessarily problematic when it occurs at lower rates.

Example

A teacher notices that a student frequently interrupts the class by calling out without raising their hand. The teacher implements DRD by setting a goal for the student to call out no more than five times during a class period. If the student meets this goal by calling out five times or fewer, the teacher provides reinforcement, such as praise or extra free time. As the student’s behavior improves, the teacher gradually reduces the acceptable number of call-outs until the behavior is at a more appropriate level.

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