Using differential reinforcement of high rates of behavior to improve work productivity : a replication and extension

Abstract

Background: Due to deficits in adaptive and cognitive functioning, productivity may pose challenges for individuals with intellectual disability in the workplace.Method: Using a changing‐criterion embedded in a multiple baseline across partici‐pants design, we examined the effects of differential reinforcement of high rates of behaviour (DRH) on the rate of data entry (i.e., productivity) in four adults with intel‐lectual disability.Results: Although the DRH procedure increased the rate of correct data entry in all four participants, none of the participants achieved the criterion that we set with novice undergraduate students.Conclusions: Our results indicate that DRH is an effective intervention to increase rate of correct responding in individuals with intellectual disability, but that achiev‐ing the same productivity as workers without disability may not always be possible.