What indicates that an establishing operation is probably in effect?

In behavior analysis, establishing operations are events or conditions that make a particular reinforcer more valuable at a certain moment and increase the likelihood of behaviors that lead to that reinforcement. The choice indicating predictable behavior based on greetings is correct because it suggests that the individual’s behavior is being influenced by the context of that specific interaction, which could heighten the value of social reinforcement, such as attention or connection from peers.

For example, if a child consistently behaves in a certain way when greeted, it implies that the presence of that greeting acts as an establishing operation, making the reinforcement (social interaction) more significant at that time. This reinforces the connection between the behavior and the social reinforcer, signaling that the individual is motivated in that context.

In contrast, increased disruptions in class could indicate a variety of issues unrelated to establishing operations, such as attention-seeking behavior or lack of engagement. Engagement in cooperative tasks may not necessarily convey an establishing operation, as it could simply be aligned with the general classroom behavior expectations. A decline in academic performance often signifies different underlying issues, such as difficulties with the material, anxiety, or lack of support, rather than directly indicating an establishing operation at play.