Abolishing Operation
Also called: AO
Definition
A motivating operation that decreases the current effectiveness of a stimulus as a reinforcer and, correspondingly, decreases the current frequency of behavior that has produced that stimulus. Satiation is the usual example. Deliberately arranged, it is the basis of noncontingent reinforcement: giving free access to what a behavior used to earn makes the behavior less worth doing.
In plain language
Something that makes a person want a thing less right now, so they stop working for it. Having plenty of something makes it matter less.
Example
A learner given ten minutes of free attention before a session bids for attention far less during the session.
Not abolishing operation
A learner who has not had a drink all morning. Water is worth more, which is an establishing operation.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- laraway-2003
Written from Laraway et al. (2003). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.