Motivating Operation
MO
In Plain Language
A condition changes how effective a consequence is and changes behavior linked to that consequence.
ABA Definition
An environmental event or condition with both a value-altering effect on reinforcement or punishment and a behavior-altering effect on responses historically affected by that consequence.
Everyday Example
After a long walk, water may be more valuable and asking for it more likely.
ABA Example
A team considers how recent access to an activity affects its reinforcing value and related requests.
How It May Be Used
Observe naturally occurring needs; do not restrict basic needs to manufacture motivation.
Commonly Confused With
An MO changes the effectiveness of a consequence. A discriminative stimulus signals that a response is more likely to produce reinforcement.