What is a secondary reinforcer?

A secondary reinforcer is defined as a stimulus that gains its reinforcing properties through association with a primary reinforcer. This means that it does not have inherent value on its own but becomes rewarding because it has been linked to something that does satisfy basic biological needs, such as food, water, or shelter – known as primary reinforcers.

For example, money is often considered a secondary reinforcer because it doesn't directly fulfill a biological need; however, it can be exchanged for food, shelter, or other items that do. This concept highlights the importance of learned associations in conditioning and behavior modification.

In contrast, primary reinforcers are stimuli that naturally have reinforcing qualities, while punishment, whether it is direct or indirect, serves to decrease a behavior rather than reinforce it. This distinction emphasizes the role that associations play in learning and motivation, making the understanding of secondary reinforcers crucial in behavior analysis and intervention.