Which of the following is NOT a function of secondary reinforcers?

Secondary reinforcers are stimuli that gain their reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcers, which fulfill biological needs such as food, water, and shelter. The key characteristic of secondary reinforcers is that they do not directly fulfill these biological needs. Instead, they acquire their value by being linked to primary reinforcers through individual experiences, conditioning, or societal norms. This connection allows secondary reinforcers, like money or praise, to motivate behavior even though they do not satisfy a need directly.

The function of shaping behavior is accomplished through the use of secondary reinforcers, as they can reinforce gradual approximations toward a desired behavior. Additionally, secondary reinforcers can be exchanged for primary reinforcers, as their learned value allows individuals to use them to obtain what meets fundamental needs. The process of learning is crucial for secondary reinforcers, as their effectiveness arises from learned associations rather than direct fulfillment of needs. These characteristics highlight the unique role secondary reinforcers play in behavioral psychology.