B-17: Distinguish between motivating operations and stimulus control ©
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Target Terms: motivating operations, stimulus control
Motivating Operation
Definition: A motivational state that alters the value of something as a reinforcer, such as deprivation of food (commonly known as hunger!)
Stimulus Control
Definition: If a particular behavior (e.g. getting a microwave safe dish out at work) is more likely to occur in the presence of a stimulus (e.g. a clean and empty microwave in the break room) than it its absence (e.g. a disgusting or in-use microwave), then the behavior is “under stimulus control” of that stimulus. A stimulus signals the availability of reinforcement contingent on a response, and so “controls” that response.
Distinguish!
Why this matters: Remember that we need both for behavior to change! I may be starving, but I am unlikely to put my awesome food in a disgusting microwave. And if the microwave is clean but I just had lunch, I won’t use it either.