DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior) is a behavior reduction strategy in which reinforcement is delivered only when the target problem behavior does not occur for a specified period of time. The focus is on reinforcing the absence of the problem behavior rather than a specific alternative behavior. The goal is to decrease the occurrence of the undesired behavior by providing reinforcement only during intervals in which the behavior does not occur.
Example
A child frequently talks out of turn during group lessons. The teacher implements DRO by setting a timer for 5 minutes. If the child refrains from talking out of turn for the entire 5-minute interval, they receive a token or verbal praise. If the child talks out of turn during the interval, the timer is reset, and no reinforcement is given. Over time, the child learns that remaining quiet during the specified time results in reinforcement, reducing the occurrence of the disruptive behavior.