Secondary Reinforcer

Definition

A secondary reinforcer in operant conditioning is a stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer. Unlike primary reinforcers (e.g., food, water), secondary reinforcers do not inherently satisfy biological needs but become effective because they signal access to something valuable.

Example

A child loves receiving praise from their teacher. Initially, the praise itself isn't rewarding, but over time, it becomes reinforcing because the child associates it with positive outcomes like feeling good or earning privileges. The praise acts as a secondary reinforcer because it reinforces the desired behavior (e.g., completing homework) by signaling approval and potential rewards.

Why It Matters

Secondary reinforcers are essential for shaping complex behaviors because they allow us to reinforce actions that don't directly satisfy biological needs. For example, money is a secondary reinforcer; while it doesn’t provide food or shelter on its own, it signals access to these resources. This concept helps explain how societies establish systems of exchange and motivation beyond basic survival instincts. Understanding secondary reinforcers also highlights the power of symbols, like grades in school or titles at work, in shaping behavior and fostering cooperation in social settings.

See Also

• Operant Conditioning