Which term has been suggested to replace the term establishing operation (EO)?

The term that has been suggested to replace "establishing operation" is "motivating operation." This concept is integral to behavior analysis and focuses on factors that influence the motivation behind a behavior, particularly in terms of their effectiveness in increasing or decreasing the value of a reinforcer.

The reason "motivating operation" is preferred is that it more accurately encapsulates the broader idea of conditions or events that affect the desirability of specific outcomes. This term helps clarify the relationship between antecedent conditions, behaviors, and consequent outcomes. It emphasizes the role of both establishing and abolishing operations in determining motivation, giving practitioners a more nuanced understanding of behavior dynamics in various contexts, especially in special education.

The other terms listed do not directly serve as a replacement for establishing operation. For example, behavior modification refers generally to techniques used to change behavior and does not specifically address the motivation behind behaviors. Stimulus enhancement pertains to how stimuli can increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring but does not encapsulate the motivational aspects covered by establishing operations. Operational variable is a broader scientific term that does not directly relate to motivational processes in the context of behavior analysis.