Current research on the influence of establishing operations on behavior in applied settings

This article provides commentary on research published in the special secti on of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis devoted to establishing oper ations (EOs). Three major themes are highlighted: (a) identification of the influence of EOs on behavior in applied settings, (b) the use of EO manipu lation as an assessment tool, and (c) the development of interventions base d on the alteration of EO influences. Methodological issues pertaining to r esearch on EOs are addressed, and suggestions for future investigation are provided.