Which statement best describes Differential Reinforcement?

• A. A type of VSR where we reward the best examples of the behavior and ignore other offers.
• B. A procedure that rewards every correct response immediately.
• C. A punishment-based method to reduce undesirable behavior.
• D. A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards at fixed intervals regardless of behavior.

Answer: (A)

Differential Reinforcement means reinforcing only the target behavior and withholding reinforcement for other responses. You reinforce the dog when it performs the desired behavior (or a higher-quality version of it) and ignore or withhold reinforcement for other behaviors, which helps shape the preferred response over time. The described statement fits this idea because it emphasizes rewarding the best examples of the behavior while ignoring other offers. This approach contrasts with rewarding every correct response (continuous reinforcement), punishment-based methods, or reinforcement schedules that reward at fixed times regardless of behavior.