What is an example of an establishing operation (EO)?

An example of an establishing operation (EO) is deprivation or not having access to something. An establishing operation is a condition that temporarily alters the value of a reinforcer, increasing the likelihood of behaviors that have previously led to that reinforcer. In this case, when an individual is deprived of a resource (like food, water, or a preferred activity), it makes the resource more valuable to them. Consequently, this increases the motivation to engage in behaviors that will allow access to that resource.

When someone experiences deprivation, not only does the desire for that resource intensify, but it also sets the stage for specific behaviors to be reinforced once the resource is obtained. Therefore, when this individual becomes aware of potential access to the previously deprived resource, they are more likely to exhibit behaviors associated with accessing it. This aligns perfectly with the concept of establishing operations, as it directly influences motivation and behavior patterns.

In contrast, the other choices do not effectively demonstrate this principle. Access to too much of something does not heighten its value in the same way deprivation does, while a stimulus increasing the frequency of a behavior is more characteristic of a reinforcing operation rather than an establishing operation. Lastly, an environmental variable that increases distraction does not relate to altering the value or