During dinnertime Joe, an Alzheimer's patient, often acts out and throws his food. However, tonight he is sitting quietly and eating; this prompts the nursing home staff to reward Joe. The most likely technique the staff is employing is

Question

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The technique being employed by the nursing home staff is differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior. This means that Joe is being praised and rewarded for exhibiting a behavior that is incompatible with his usual disruptive behavior during mealtime. By doing this, the staff is reinforcing the desired behavior while ignoring the negative behavior, which can help to shape Joe's behavior in a positive way over time.

During Dinnertime Joe, an Alzheimer's Patient, Often Acts Out and Throws