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A Tutorial on the Concept of the Motivating Operation and its Importance to Application

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Abstract

Motivating operations (MOs) exert a powerful influence over operant relations and hold significant implications for those working in applied settings. In this paper, we describe the concept of the MO and provide “real world” examples. Particular emphasis is given to the concept of the conditioned MO (CMO). Implications for intervention are discussed. It is hoped that this endeavour will encourage the utilization of the full conceptual system of the MO.

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Author notes

  1. Paul Langthorne Ph.D., BCBA

    Present address: University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kent, Canterbury, USA

    Paul Langthorne Ph.D., BCBA & Peter McGill MPhil, CPsychol, BCBA

Authors
  1. Paul Langthorne Ph.D., BCBA
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  2. Peter McGill MPhil, CPsychol, BCBA
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Additional information

The paper contributed towards the first author’s doctoral dissertation.

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Langthorne, P., McGill, P. A Tutorial on the Concept of the Motivating Operation and its Importance to Application. Behav Analysis Practice 2, 22–31 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391745

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