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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an establishing operation?
An establishing operation (EO) is a motivating operation that increases the value of a reinforcer and evokes the behaviours that produce it. Food deprivation is an EO: it makes food more reinforcing and asking for food more likely.
What is an example of an establishing operation?
Placing a preferred toy out of reach establishes asking for help as worthwhile; a hot room establishes cold water as a powerful reinforcer. Each temporarily raises the value of a consequence.
What is the difference between an establishing operation and an abolishing operation?
An EO increases a reinforcer's value through deprivation; an abolishing operation decreases it through satiation. Both are types of motivating operation.