Which motivating operation type acquires effectiveness by preceding a worsening or improvement?

The correct choice is the reflexive CMO, which relates to motivating operations that establish their own effectiveness based on the relationship between an event and its consequences. This type of motivating operation becomes effective by presenting a change that signals either a worsening or improvement in conditions.

In the case of a reflexive CMO, it functions to enhance or diminish the value of another stimulus or reinforcer due to the context or environment signaling what may happen next. For example, if a student is aware that a certain behavior could lead to a negative outcome (such as a loss of privileges), the aversive situation increases the motivation to engage in more desirable behaviors to avoid that consequence. Conversely, if the context suggests that a positive reinforcement is likely to come, it increases the desirability of actions that will lead to that positive outcome.

This dynamic nature of the reflexive CMO emphasizes its role in learning and behavior modification—by establishing a connection between current behaviors and anticipated outcomes, individuals can be motivated to adapt their actions accordingly. Understanding this type of motivating operation is crucial for effectively applying behavior analysis in special education settings.