Which of the following is an example of a CMO?

• A. Reflexive Motivating Operation
• B. Establishing Operation
• C. Abolishing Operation
• D. Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior

Answer: (A)

Motivating operations alter how reinforcing a consequence is right now and influence behavior. Contingent Motivating Operations are a specific subtype where the effect depends on a particular consequence being linked to the situation. Reflexive Contingent Motivating Operation is one such subtype: the occurrence of a stimulus signals the potential for an aversive event, which in turn increases the likelihood that the person will engage in behavior that terminates or avoids that aversive stimulus. That makes Reflexive Motivating Operation the correct example of a CMO.

The other terms aren’t CMOs. Establishing Operation and Abolishing Operation are value-altering MOs that change how appealing a reinforcer is, but they aren’t defined by a contingent relation to a specific consequence. Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior is a reinforcement procedure, not a motivating operation.