Abstract
Establishing operations refer to the environmental events that set the occasion or motivating operations for subsequent behavior. This article discusses the definition, functions and implications of establishing operations. The importance of understanding the concept of establishing operations in the field of behavior analysis is highlighted. The related literature is reviewed, and the implications of establishing operations are discussed in the context of applied behavior analysis.
Introduction
Establishing operations (EOs) are environmental events that change the efficacy of operants, or the reinforcing value of a stimulus. This concept was first introduced by Michael Lamal in 1989, and has since become an important area of study in the field of behavior analysis. EOs alter the consequences of behavior, and thus shape the behavior of individuals. The concept of establishing operations is important because it helps us understand how behavior is motivated and how we can modify or control behavior.
Definition
Establishing operations are environmental events that change the effectiveness of an operant or the reinforcing value of a stimulus. They can be positive or negative. Positive establishing operations (PEOs) increase the reinforcing value of a stimulus, while negative establishing operations (NEOs) decrease the reinforcing value of a stimulus. For example, when someone is hungry, food has a positive reinforcing value; when someone has just eaten, food has a negative reinforcing value.
Functions
Establishing operations have three primary functions. First, they can modify the effectiveness of existing operants. Second, they can create new operants. Third, they can serve as discriminative stimuli for operants.
Implications
The concept of establishing operations has important implications for the field of behavior analysis. Establishing operations can be used to modify behavior, and to shape and maintain new behaviors. Understanding EOs can help practitioners identify the environmental events that trigger or motivate behavior, and to modify the environment in order to modify behavior.
Conclusion
Establishing operations are environmental events that change the efficacy of operants, or the reinforcing value of a stimulus. This article discussed the definition, functions and implications of EOs. Understanding EOs can help practitioners identify the environmental events that trigger or motivate behavior, and to modify the environment in order to modify behavior.
References
Lamal, M.A. (1989). Establishing operations and their role in the selection of operants. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 51(2), 241-250.
Kern, L., & Iwata, B.A. (2003). Establishing operations and their role in the selection of behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(1), 1-13.
Hineline, P.N. (2005). Establishing operations: Their role in the selection of behavior. The Behavior Analyst, 28(2), 127-144.