Antecedents are stimuli that occur before a behavior and can influence behaviors

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Antecedents are stimuli that occur before a behavior and can influence behaviors. MOs and SDs are types of antecedents that play an important role in the occurrence of behaviors. Understanding the impact of these antecedents allows behavior analysts to manipulate these variables and influence client behavior in a meaningful way.

Instructions
For this assignment, use the template Motivating Operations and Discriminative Stimuli [DOCX].

This template has one column for similarities and one column for differences. In a bulleted format, fill in your analysis of the two concepts, placing similarities in the left column and differences in the right column.
There should be three examples in each column.
Once you fill out the similarities and differences, do the following below the columns:

Identify and describe three real situations from your environment or experience (please identify MOs and SDs in each of your examples).
There should be both an MO and SD in each example to show how these terms work together.
Identify which antecedent variable is the MO and which is the SD. Describe how they work together in the example you provided.

 

Sample Solution

Similarities

| Motivating Operations (MOs) | Discriminative Stimuli (SDs) | |—|—|—| | Both are antecedent variables that influence behavior. | Both can be signals for reinforcement. | | Both can increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring. | Both can be learned through experience. | | Both can be manipulated to change behavior. | Both can be used to create a more predictable environment for individuals. |

Differences

| Motivating Operations (MOs) | Discriminative Stimuli (SDs) | |—|—|—| | MOs motivate behavior by changing the value of reinforcers. | SDs signal the availability of reinforcement. | | MOs are typically internal states, such as hunger, thirst, or fatigue. | SDs are typically external stimuli, such as a traffic light, a bell, or a teacher’s instruction. | | MOs can have a long-lasting effect on behavior, even in the absence of SDs. | SDs must be present for the behavior to occur. |

Real Situations

Situation 1:

  • MO: Hunger
  • SD: The smell of a delicious meal cooking

Situation 2:

  • MO: Fatigue
  • SD: A comfortable bed

Situation 3:

  • MO: Academic success
  • SD: A teacher’s praise

How MOs and SDs Work Together

In the first situation, the MO of hunger increases the value of the reinforcer (food). When the individual sees or smells food, the SD signals that the reinforcer is available. As a result, the individual is more likely to engage in behaviors that will lead to them getting the food.

In the second situation, the MO of fatigue increases the value of the reinforcer (rest). When the individual sees their bed, the SD signals that the reinforcer is available. As a result, the individual is more likely to engage in behaviors that will lead to them getting to bed.

In the third situation, the MO of academic success increases the value of the reinforcer (praise). When the individual hears the teacher’s praise, the SD signals that the reinforcer is available. As a result, the individual is more likely to engage in behaviors that will lead to them getting praised by the teacher.

Conclusion

MOs and SDs are both important antecedent variables that influence behavior. By understanding how these variables work, behavior analysts can develop more effective interventions to change behavior.

 

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