What type of reinforcer is learned through association with primary reinforcers?

A secondary reinforcer is one that gains its reinforcing properties through its association with a primary reinforcer. Primary reinforcers are inherently valuable because they satisfy biological needs, such as food, water, and shelter. In contrast, secondary reinforcers do not have inherent value but acquire their significance through their relationship with primary reinforcers. For example, money is a secondary reinforcer because it is valuable only because it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food or services.

Understanding this relationship is essential in the field of psychology, particularly in behaviorism, where learning occurs through conditioning and reinforcement. Secondary reinforcers can include items like tokens, praise, or grades, which become meaningful representations of rewards. This association allows for a broader range of motivational strategies in learning and behavioral modification.