What behavior reduction procedure involves delivering the functional reinforcer for a response that is incompatible with the target problem behavior?

The behavior reduction procedure that involves delivering the functional reinforcer for a response that is incompatible with the target problem behavior is known as DRI, or Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior. This procedure focuses on reinforcing a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with the undesired behavior, effectively making it impossible for the individual to engage in the problem behavior while they are engaging in the reinforced behavior.

For instance, if a child is prone to yelling when they want attention, a practitioner could reinforce the child for raising their hand instead. Since it is physically impossible to raise a hand and yell at the same time, this approach helps reduce the yelling behavior while promoting a more appropriate behavior that serves the same function of gaining attention. The key aspect of DRI is that the behavior being reinforced is specifically incompatible with the behavior that is targeted for reduction, thus creating a clear pathway for reduction while fostering alternative, acceptable behaviors.