Final answer:
An establishing operation increases the likelihood that a particular behavior will occur by making a reinforcer more desirable, which is a foundational concept in operant conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Presenting an establishing operation increases the likelihood that behavior will occur' is TRUE. An establishing operation is a condition that affects the effectiveness of a reinforcer or punisher. For instance, food deprivation increases the value of food as a reinforcer, thus making a behavior that results in obtaining food more likely to occur.
Establishing operations can be essential in operant conditioning, a key concept in Behavioral Psychology. This concept, derived from the work of B.F. Skinner and others, explains how behaviors can be learned or modified based on the consequences they produce. In operant conditioning, a response becomes more or less likely depending on whether it's followed by a reinforcement or punishment. Establishing operations create a state where a reinforcer becomes more desirable, thus increasing the frequency of behaviors associated with that reinforcer.