Definition
Conditioned Motivating Operations (CMOs) are environmental variables that influence the value of a reinforcer or punisher as a result of an individual’s learning history. CMOs affect the likelihood that a behavior will occur by altering the effectiveness of a consequence (reinforcement or punishment) that has been learned through past experiences.
Example
magine a child who enjoys playing with a specific toy that requires batteries. When the toy’s batteries run out, the batteries become a CMO-T because their absence increases the reinforcing value of getting new batteries (or asking an adult for help) to restore the toy’s functionality. The need for batteries alters the child’s behavior, making it more likely they will engage in behaviors that will result in acquiring new batteries (e.g., asking for batteries or looking for them).