Which antecedent increases or decreases the value of a consequence?

• A. Abolishing Operation
• B. SD
• C. Establishing Operation
• D. Motivating Operation

Answer: (D)

Motivating Operations are antecedents that alter the value of consequences, making them more or less reinforcing and thereby changing how hard a person is or isn’t driven to work for them. For example, being hungry makes food more valuable, while having just eaten makes it less valuable. An SD signals that reinforcement is available but doesn’t change how valuable the consequence is. Establishing Operation and Abolishing Operation are specific types of Motivating Operations (an Establishing Operation increases value; an Abolishing Operation decreases value). Since the question asks for the antecedent that increases or decreases the value of a consequence, Motivating Operation is the best fit.