What is a secondary reinforcer?

A secondary reinforcer is defined as a previously neutral stimulus that has acquired reinforcing properties through its association with primary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers, such as food or water, satisfy basic biological needs and are inherently valuable. Secondary reinforcers, in contrast, gain their reinforcing power by being paired with these primary reinforcers.

For example, money is a common secondary reinforcer; it has no intrinsic value but can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food or shelter. Over time, individuals learn to associate the secondary reinforcer with the satisfaction of their needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of behaviors that lead to the acquisition of the secondary reinforcer. This learned association is crucial for understanding operant conditioning and the development of complex behaviors.

Other options do not accurately reflect the concept of secondary reinforcers. For instance, a consequence that decreases behavior likelihood describes punishment rather than reinforcement. Naturally reinforcing stimuli refer to primary reinforcers, while a reinforcement that has no established value would not effectively motivate behavior. Each of these alternatives fails to convey the critical role that association plays in the development of secondary reinforcers.