Conditioned Motivating Operations (CMOs)ย are environmental variables that influence the value of a reinforcerAย reinforcerย is any consequence or stimulus that, when pre... More or punisher as a result of an individualโs learning history. CMOs affect the likelihood that aย behaviorย will occur by altering the effectiveness of a consequence (reinforcement or punishment) that has been learned through past experiences.
Example
Imagine a child who enjoys playing with a specific toy that requires batteries. When the toyโs batteries run out, the batteries become a CMO-Tย because their absence increases the reinforcing value of getting new batteries (or asking an adult for help) to restore the toyโs functionality. The need for batteries alters the childโsย 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).