A motivating establishing operation increases the effectiveness of a consequence as a punisher.

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A motivating establishing operation (MEO) is an event or stimulus that increases the reinforcing or punishing effectiveness of a consequence. In the case of punishment, a MEO can make a consequence that would not normally be punishing become more effective as a punisher. For example, if a child is very hungry, the consequence of taking away their favorite toy may be more punishing than it would be if the child were not hungry.

A Motivating Establishing Operation Increases the Effectiveness of a Consequence