A Conditioned Motivating Operation-Reflexive (CMO-R) is a type of motivating operation in which a stimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or for... signals that a worsening or improving set of conditions is about to happen, thereby motivating behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... to avoid or escape the worsening condition, or to maintain or achieve the improving condition. In other words, a CMO-R increases the value of actions that can prevent or remove aversive conditions.
CMO-R is often associated with escape or avoidanceAvoidance refers to a behavior that prevents or postpones th... behavior because it signals that something unpleasant might occur unless action is taken.
Example
Imagine that a teacher is about to give a difficult test. The sight of the test paper (CMO-R) might cause a student to become anxious, motivating the student to ask questions, avoid the test, or engage in off-task behavior to delay or escape the aversive situation (the test). The test itself becomes a CMO-R because it signals the possibility of a difficult or unpleasant experience.
Another example: A supervisor approaching an employee’s desk with a stern look might serve as a CMO-R. The employee may be motivated to quickly correct any mistakes or avoid interaction with the supervisor because the supervisor’s approach signals potential criticism or unpleasant feedback.