Zander is engaging in self-injurious behavior by biting his lips until they bleed.His therapist praises him when he talks,chews gum,or even sticks out his tongue,because when he engages in these behaviors he cannot bite his lips.This approach is ______.
A) differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors
B) differential reinforcement of zero behavior
C) punishment by contingent stimulation
D) overcorrection

Question

Zander is engaging in self-injurious behavior by biting his lips until they bleed.His therapist praises him when he talks,chews gum,or even sticks out his tongue,because when he engages in these behaviors he cannot bite his lips.This approach is ______.
A) differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors
B) differential reinforcement of zero behavior
C) punishment by contingent stimulation
D) overcorrection

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors involves reinforcing a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior, making it impossible to engage in both at the same time. In this case, reinforcing behaviors such as talking or chewing gum that cannot be done while biting his lips, prevents Zander from engaging in self-injurious behavior.

Zander Is Engaging in Self-Injurious Behavior by Biting His Lips