Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Operant Conditioning01:21

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning01:15

Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning not only includes the initial pairing of stimuli but also extends to more complex forms, such as higher-order conditioning. Higher-order conditioning involves creating associations beyond the primary conditioned stimulus, resulting in a chain of conditioned responses.
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction01:24

Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction

Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behaviorism01:28

Behaviorism

The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The Tact is Being Emitted by the Child: Replicating and Extending Parity Research with English-Speaking, Typically Developing Children.

The Analysis of verbal behavior·2025
Same author

Professional Skills for Behavior Analysts: A Survey on the Proficiency and Importance of Hard and Soft Skills.

Behavior analysis in practice·2024
Same author

Consistent Visual Analysis of Multielement Data: A Preliminary Evaluation.

Behavior modification·2024
Same author

Wearable Technology-Another Tool in the Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior Toolbox.

JAMA network open·2023
Same author

Strengthening the procedural fidelity research-to-practice loop in animal behavior.

Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior·2022
Same author

Comparing Matrix-Training Procedures with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Analysis of verbal behavior·2022
Same journal

Incorporating Qualitative Data when Training Behavior Analysts.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
Same journal

Measurement of Emotions Tacting for Empathic Responding (METER): An Example of a Process for Creating an Inclusive Assessment of Emotion Recognition using Validated and Diverse Facial Expression Stimuli.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
Same journal

Correction: Introduction to "Embracing Qualitative Research in Behavior Analysis: Lessons of Qualitative Research in/and Practice"-Part 2, Personal, Professional, and Pedagogical Perspectives.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
Same journal

Addressing Pervasive Myths About Qualitative Research to Promote Methodological Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
Same journal

Practical Resources for Embedding Opportunities to Practice Dissemination-Related Skills Into Coursework and Supervision Experiences.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
Same journal

Upholding Anti-ableism in Applied Behavior Analysis: A Strengths-Based Approach to Goal Writing and Direct Service.

Behavior analysis in practice·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Fully Automated Rodent Conditioning Protocol for Sensorimotor Integration and Cognitive Control Experiments
09:43

A Fully Automated Rodent Conditioning Protocol for Sensorimotor Integration and Cognitive Control Experiments

Published on: April 15, 2014

Conditioned Motivating Operations: Examples and Practical Considerations.

Carissa D Basile1, Tiffany Kodak2, Hannah M Effertz2

  • 1Department of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington USA.

Behavior Analysis in Practice
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Conditioned motivating operations (CMOs) are crucial in behavior analysis, requiring a learning history to influence behavior. This review offers practical guidance for clinicians on identifying and using CMOs in interventions.

Keywords:
Conditioned motivating operationsMotivating operationsReflexive motivating operationsSurrogate motivating operationsTransitive motivating operations

More Related Videos

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats
06:57

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats

Published on: February 4, 2016

Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning
07:43

Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning

Published on: August 8, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Fully Automated Rodent Conditioning Protocol for Sensorimotor Integration and Cognitive Control Experiments
09:43

A Fully Automated Rodent Conditioning Protocol for Sensorimotor Integration and Cognitive Control Experiments

Published on: April 15, 2014

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats
06:57

Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats

Published on: February 4, 2016

Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning
07:43

Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning

Published on: August 8, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Behavior Analysis
  • Psychology
  • Clinical Practice

Background:

  • Motivating operations (MOs) alter consequence value, influencing behavior likelihood.
  • Unconditioned MOs do not require a learning history; Conditioned MOs (CMOs) do.
  • CMOs (reflexive, transitive, surrogate) are prevalent in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review applied and basic research on CMOs since 2009.
  • To translate research findings into practical guidance for clinicians.
  • To integrate CMO research into clinical examples and practice guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of applied and basic research on CMOs.
  • Synthesis of findings for clinical application.
  • Development of practical guidance and clinical examples.

Main Results:

  • Key findings from CMO research are translated into actionable clinical strategies.
  • Research on CMOs is integrated into behavior-analytic interventions.
  • Improved identification and application of CMOs in clinical practice.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate identification of motivating variables influencing behavior is enhanced.
  • Selection of function-based treatments is improved.
  • Precision in arranging antecedent conditions to strengthen alternative behaviors is increased.