Primary Reinforcer

Definition

A primary reinforcer is a stimulus that naturally reinforces behavior because it satisfies a biological need or desire. Unlike secondary reinforcers, which are learned (like money or praise), primary reinforcers are inherently rewarding and do not require prior learning to be effective. Examples include food, water, shelter, and warmth.

Example

You are extremely hungry after skipping breakfast. When you finally eat a delicious meal, the act of eating satisfies your hunger and makes you feel better. In this scenario, the meal acts as a primary reinforcer because it directly fulfills a biological need (nutrition) and reinforces the behavior of eating.

Another example: A thirsty person drinks water, which quenches their thirst. The water is a primary reinforcer because it meets a basic survival need.

Why It Matters

Primary reinforcers are essential in understanding how behaviors are shaped and maintained. They play a fundamental role in operant conditioning because they provide immediate and intrinsic rewards that drive behavior. By recognizing what naturally reinforces behavior, we can better design learning environments or training programs to effectively shape desired actions. Additionally, primary reinforcers serve as the foundation for more complex forms of reinforcement, such as secondary reinforcers (e.g., money, grades), which derive their value from their association with primary reinforcers. Understanding primary reinforcers helps us appreciate how basic needs influence behavior and learning in both humans and animals.

See Also

• Operant Conditioning