Arizona State University (ASU) SPE563 Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings Practice Exam

An abolishing operation (AO) is defined as a condition or event that decreases the reinforcing value of a particular reinforcer, making it less effective. In the context of manding, which involves requesting or demanding items or actions, an AO reduces the motivation of the individual to engage in the behavior associated with the previously reinforcing item or action.

For example, if a person is very thirsty and has not had anything to drink for some time, the reinforcing value of water is high, and they are likely to engage in manding behavior to obtain it. However, if that person has just consumed a large amount of water, the reinforcing value of water decreases significantly, and they would be less likely to engage in the behavior of asking for it. Thus, the correct definition of an AO highlights its role in decreasing the effectiveness of a reinforcer and shaping the individual's behavior in relation to that reinforcer.