Parametric evaluation of procedural fidelity level with combined errors during differential reinforcement of other behavior

Abstract

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is an intervention used to address challenging behavior; however, its effectiveness may be diminished by procedural fidelity errors. Previous research has shown that DRO effects may be robust despite marginal errors of commission and omission, but the effects of combined errors (i.e., both commission and omission errors) on the efficacy of DRO have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to parametrically evaluate procedural fidelity level (i.e., 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% fidelity) in DRO when implemented with combined errors in a human-operant arrangement using a reversal design. Results indicated that the DRO was efficacious for most participants when implemented with 100, 80, or 60% fidelity and inefficacious for most participants when implemented with 40% or 20% fidelity when implemented with combined errors.