What is secondary reinforcement?

Secondary reinforcement is a type of reinforcement that has been conditioned to elicit a response through association with a primary reinforcer. Primary reinforcers are naturally rewarding stimuli, such as food, water, or shelter, whereas secondary reinforcers gain their reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers.

Examples of secondary reinforcers include praise, tokens, money, and grades. These stimuli become reinforcing because they have been paired with primary reinforcers or have acquired reinforcing properties through social or cultural values.

Secondary reinforcement is often used in behavior modification and learning processes, as it can help shape behavior by providing motivation and reinforcement for desired behaviors. By associating secondary reinforcers with desired behaviors, individuals are more likely to repeat those behaviors in the future.

In sum, secondary reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and motivating individuals to engage in specific actions through association with primary reinforcers or through learned social and cultural values.