Mary's parents are trying to decrease the number of times that she feeds the family dog during the day. Mary's parents set a criterion level for the maximum number of times that she can feed the dog in a day, and if Mary achieves this level she gets a story read to her at bedtime. Which type of differential reinforcement are Mary's parents using?

a. DRO

b. DRA

c. DRL

d. DRC

option C: DRL

Explanation:

Differential Reinforcement can be defined simply as putting into use a reinforcing, only when the right or appropriate behavior that an individual want to increase thereby using elimination to responses of any other.

Differential Reinforcement of Lesser Rates of Behavior (DRL) - is a type of differential reinforcement that deals with the reinforcement usually quite some time where the behavior shown by a the child exhibits the behavior at a predetermined small rate of occurrence. this method seeks to Reduce Behaviors not needed urgently or quickly using Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Behavior. it is a method of intervention strategy in the sense that a reinforcer is only given when the behavior or response to a particular behavior did occurs at a small or low rate than it was before, thereby decreasing or reducing the rate of occurrence of the negative or inappropriate behavior or response.

c. DRL

Explanation:

Differential Reinforcement of Low rates Behavior (DRL):

Unlike DRO which requires zero responding on the target behavior, reinforcement is delivered using DRL if the inappropriate behavior is at a tolerable or desirable level.

Reinforcement is provided either after a response that follows an interval of specific length or after a specified interval if the frequency of the behavior is below some established criterion.

Hence, Mary's parents are using DRL.