Definition
DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior) is a behavior modification technique where reinforcement is provided for a behavior that is physically incompatible with the maladaptive behavior. This means that the individual cannot engage in both the inappropriate behavior and the alternative, reinforced behavior at the same time. The inappropriate behavior is placed on extinction, meaning it is no longer reinforced.
Example
A child tends to run around the classroom during lessons. The teacher implements DRI by reinforcing the child for sitting in their seat (an incompatible behavior with running). Every time the child remains seated, they are praised or rewarded. Because the child cannot physically run and sit at the same time, the sitting behavior is incompatible with the running behavior, and over time, sitting increases while running decreases.