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Motivating Operations and Discriminative Stimuli: Distinguishable but Interactive Variables
Alan Poling1, Amin D Lotfizadeh2, Timothy L Edwards3
1Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI USA.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
|July 11, 2020
Summary
Motivating operations, a key concept in behavior analysis, require redefinition and a focus on interactions with stimuli to address limitations and reduce controversy. This approach enhances practical applications for behavior analysts.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- The concept of motivating operations (MOs) is central to behavior analysis, offering practical utility for practitioners.
- However, MOs are associated with significant controversy and limitations within the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations of the motivating operations concept.
- To propose a redefinition of motivating operations.
- To suggest a shift in emphasis regarding conditioned motivating operations and their interaction with stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Review and critical analysis of the existing motivating operations literature.
- Conceptual analysis to propose a redefined framework for motivating operations.
- Examination of the interplay between motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
Main Results:
- The current conceptualization of motivating operations has limitations and generates controversy.
- Redefining motivating operations, de-emphasizing subtypes of conditioned MOs, and emphasizing MO-discriminative stimulus interactions are proposed.
- Further research into environmental influences on stimulus-reinforcing value is recommended.
Conclusions:
- A revised conceptualization of motivating operations is necessary for advancing behavior analysis.
- Emphasizing the interaction between motivating operations and discriminative stimuli offers a more robust framework.
- These conceptual refinements aim to enhance the practical application and theoretical clarity of motivating operations.
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