Establishing Operation
Also called: EO
Definition
A motivating operation that increases the current effectiveness of a stimulus as a reinforcer and, correspondingly, increases the current frequency of behavior that has produced that stimulus. Food deprivation is the classic example; so is being given a task that requires a tool you do not have.
In plain language
Something that makes a person want a thing more right now, so they work harder for it. Being hungry makes food matter more.
Example
A learner is handed a locked box with a favorite toy visible inside. The locked box makes asking for the key far more likely.
Not establishing operation
A learner who has just finished a large lunch. Food is worth less now, which is an abolishing operation.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- michael-1993
- laraway-2003
Written from Michael (1993) and Laraway et al. (2003). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.