40-Hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training Practice Test

Using a replacement behavior that is suitable for decreasing Wesley's nail biting through Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI) involves selecting a behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with nail biting. The option of placing hands in pockets effectively meets this requirement. When Wesley's hands are in his pockets, he cannot bite his nails, thus providing a clear incompatible behavior to target for reinforcement.

This approach not only seeks to eliminate the unwanted nail biting habit but also promotes the development of more appropriate behaviors. Placing hands in pockets can help Wesley develop awareness of his hands, thereby reducing the likelihood of engaging in the undesirable behavior. This method aligns with the principles of DRI by substituting a behavior that is physically incompatible with the targeted behavior.

Other options, while they might provide some benefit, do not specifically address the incompatibility needed for DRI. For example, washing hands, using stress balls, and keeping nails trimmed are all good strategies but do not prevent hand movement towards the mouth in the same manner that placing hands in pockets does.