What is the purpose of Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)?

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) is a behavior modification technique aimed at reducing a less desirable behavior by reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with it. The core idea behind DRI is that if an individual engages in a behavior that is incompatible with the undesired behavior, the likelihood of the undesired behavior occurring is diminished because both cannot happen at the same time.

For example, if a child tends to call out in class, a teacher might reinforce the behavior of raising a hand to speak, which is incompatible with calling out. By consistently providing reinforcement when the child raises their hand, the teacher encourages this preferred behavior while simultaneously reducing the instance of calling out.

This technique is effective because it not only increases the frequency of desirable behaviors but also addresses the problem behavior directly by promoting alternatives that cannot coexist with it.