What is a motivating operation (MO)?

A motivating operation (MO) refers to an environmental variable that alters the effectiveness of a stimulus as a reinforcer and influences the frequency of behavior associated with that stimulus. This concept is essential in understanding how context and conditions can change an individual’s motivation to engage in specific behaviors.

For example, if a person is hungry, food becomes more effective as a reinforcer, increasing the likelihood that behaviors leading to food procurement occur. This demonstrates how manipulating environmental variables can significantly impact behavior and motivation.

The other options do not capture the essence of a motivating operation. While a behavioral cue, external conditions, or an internal state might affect behavior, they do not specifically address how the effectiveness of a stimulus as reinforcement is altered by environmental variables. Therefore, the first choice accurately reflects the definition and function of motivating operations.