LEAPS Skill Acquisition Practice Exam – Practice Test & Study Guide

The type of reinforcer that is learned or associated with primary reinforcers is known as a secondary reinforcer. This concept is grounded in behavioral psychology, specifically in the framework established by B.F. Skinner. Primary reinforcers are inherently valuable due to their biological significance, such as food, water, or shelter, which meet our basic needs.

In contrast, secondary reinforcers gain their value through their association with primary reinforcers. For example, money is a classic secondary reinforcer because it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food or shelter. When an individual receives a secondary reinforcer after a desired behavior occurs, it can lead to a learned response, reinforcing the behavior over time.

This understanding highlights how behavioral conditioning operates through layers of reinforcement: while primary reinforcers are effective on their own, secondary reinforcers play a crucial role in shaping behavior through learned associations. This principle is fundamental in various applications, from educational settings to behavior modification strategies.