What does an establishing operation affect in terms of behavior?

An establishing operation is a concept from behavior analysis that modifies the motivation to engage in certain behaviors. It refers to a condition or event that increases the value of a particular reinforcer, subsequently enhancing the motivation to obtain that reinforcer. For example, when an individual is deprived of food, the value of food as a reinforcer increases, which may lead to an increase in food-seeking behaviors.

In this context, the establishing operation serves to influence motivation directly. It doesn't merely strengthen a behavior in a static sense or dictate how often a behavior occurs (frequency) without considering motivation, nor does it involve providing a variety of responses (diversity) to achieve a goal. Instead, it emphasizes how changes in environmental conditions or internal states affect the desire to engage in behaviors that have been reinforced by specific outcomes. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for behavior technicians in creating effective intervention strategies that align with the underlying motivational states of the individuals they support.