Establishing Operation (EO)
A type of MO that increases the effectiveness of a reinforcer.
An Establishing Operation is a condition that makes a consequence more valuable. Deprivation of food acts as an EO that establishes food as a highly effective reinforcer. This directly evokes behaviours that have previously produced food.
In teaching, you routinely contrive EOs to increase a learner's motivation. Placing a preferred toy on a high shelf establishes an EO for the learner to ask for help.