Lindberg, J. S., Iwata, B. A., Kahng, S., & DeLeon, I. G. (1999).
DRO contingencies: An analysis of variable-momentary schedules.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
32, 123-136.
We conducted several comparative analyses to determine the
relative effectiveness of variable-momentary
differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (VM DRO) schedules.
Three individuals who had been diagnosed with mental retardation
participated. Results of functional analyses indicated that their
self-injurious behavior (SIB) was maintained by social-positive
reinforcement. Two individuals participated in a two-stage
comparative analysis within multi-element and multiple baseline
designs. Fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) DRO were
compared in the first stage; VI DRO and VM DRO were compared in
the second. All three schedules effectively reduced the
participants’ SIB. Treatment for the 3rd individual was conducted
in a reversal design to examine the effects of VM DRO when it was
implemented in isolation, and results indicated that the
procedure was effective in reducing SIB. These findings suggest
that VM DRO schedules may represent attractive alternatives to
traditional FI schedules because momentary schedules do not
require continuous monitoring and may result in higher rates of
reinforcement.
DESCRIPTORS: differential reinforcement of other behavior,
functional analysis, self-injurious behavior