Understanding Motivating Operations and Their Role in Human Behavior
Motivating operations (MOs) are a fundamental concept in understanding human behaviour, particularly in the context of behaviour analysis and Positive Behavior Support (PBS). MOs influence the effectiveness of reinforcers and punishers, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping how we respond to different situations. This blog post aims to provide a general insight into motivating operations and their significant impact on human behaviour.
What Are Motivating Operations?
Motivating operations are environmental events or conditions that alter the value of a reinforcer or punisher and affect the likelihood of a behaviour occurring. Two types of motivating operations exist: Establishing Operations (EOs) and Abolishing Operations (AOs).
Establishing Operations (EOs): These increase the effectiveness of a reinforcer or punisher. For example, if a person is hungry (EO), food becomes a more potent reinforcer, increasing the likelihood of behaviours that cause obtaining food.
Abolishing Operations (AOs) decrease the effectiveness of a reinforcer or punisher. For instance, if a person is full after a meal (AO), the value of food as a reinforcer diminishes, making behaviours that result in obtaining food less likely.
The Role of Motivating Operations in Human Behavior
Motivating operations are critical in understanding why certain behaviours occur in specific contexts and not in others. They help explain variations in behaviour that cannot be accounted for solely by the presence of reinforcement or punishment.
1. Influencing the Effectiveness of Reinforcement and Punishment
MOs play a key role in determining how effective a reinforcer or punisher will be at any given moment. For example, the effectiveness of water as a reinforcer is highly dependent on the individual’s current state of hydration. If a person is thirsty (an EO for water), they are more likely to engage in behaviours that will cause getting a drink. Conversely, if they have just had a large amount of water (an AO for water), they are less likely to seek out more. Michael (1982) first introduced the concept of motivating operations, emphasising their importance in the behavioural context by explaining that MOs affect the strength of behaviour by altering the value of the consequences associated with that behaviour.
2. Understanding Problematic Behaviours
MOs are also crucial in understanding and addressing problematic behaviours. For instance, a child might engage in aggressive behaviour when they are unable to access a preferred activity. In this case, the deprivation of the activity acts as an EO, increasing the likelihood of aggressive behaviour. Understanding the motivating operation behind such behaviours can guide the development of effective interventions. Smith and Iwata (1997) demonstrated the role of MOs in problem behaviour by showing how deprivation and satiation could influence the occurrence of self-injurious behaviour in individuals with developmental disabilities.
3. Guiding Intervention Strategies
In applied settings, such as Positive Behavior Support, understanding MOs allows practitioners to design more effective intervention strategies. For example, by identifying and manipulating MOs, behaviour analysts can either increase the likelihood of desirable behaviours or reduce the likelihood of undesirable ones. Carr and Durand (1985) used MOs in their intervention strategies to teach alternative communication skills, demonstrating how altering environmental conditions can reduce challenging behaviours.
Real-World Examples of Motivating Operations
Thirst and Drinking Behaviour: When someone is thirsty (an EO), they are more likely to seek out and consume water. After drinking, the satiation of thirst acts as an AO, reducing the likelihood of further drinking behaviour until thirst returns.
Workplace Motivation: In a workplace setting, a looming deadline might serve as an EO, increasing the effectiveness of completing tasks as a reinforcer. After the deadline passes, the pressure (and the EO) is removed, and the urgency to complete tasks may decrease.
Social Attention: For a child who craves attention, the lack of interaction might serve as an EO, increasing behaviours (positive or negative) that cause social attention. Once the child receives sufficient attention, the AO sets in, reducing those attention-seeking behaviours.
The Importance of Recognizing Motivating Operations
Understanding motivating operations is vital not only for behaviour analysts but for anyone interested in human behaviour. By recognizing the role of MOs, we can better understand the factors that drive our actions and those of others. This knowledge can lead to more effective strategies in education, parenting, therapy, and even self-management. Sundberg and Michael (2001) highlight the importance of MOs in language acquisition, suggesting that MOs are critical for understanding the conditions under which language is learned and used.
Conclusion
Motivating operations are a powerful concept in the study of behaviour, providing insight into the environmental conditions that influence the effectiveness of reinforcers and punishers. By understanding MOs, we gain a deeper understanding of why we behave the way we do and how we can modify our environment to promote positive behaviours.
References
Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behaviour problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111-126.
Michael, J. (1982). Distinguishing between discriminative and motivational functions of stimuli. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 37(1), 149-155.
Smith, R. G., & Iwata, B. A. (1997). Antecedent influences on behaviour disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(2), 343-375.
Sundberg, M. L., & Michael, J. (2001). The benefits of Skinner's analysis of verbal behaviour for children with autism. Behaviour Modification, 25(5), 698-724.
Written By: Ben Dowton
With over 5 years of experience, Ben Dowton has worked extensively with individuals of all ages who have complex behavioural needs.
He is highly skilled in creating and implementing positive behaviour support plans that promote individual growth and development while also reducing challenging behaviours. Ben is passionate about providing person-centred care and ensuring that each individual's unique needs are met with empathy and respect.