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.