What term describes a reinforcer like money or good grades, which is associated with a primary reinforcer?

What term describes a reinforcer like money or good grades, which is associated with a primary reinforcer?

• A. Primary Reinforcer
• B. Generalized Reinforcer
• C. Secondary Reinforcer
• D. Planned Ignoring

Answer: (C)

The correct term for a reinforcer like money or good grades, which is associated with a primary reinforcer, is a secondary reinforcer. Secondary reinforcers are not inherently valuable but acquire their reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcers, which are naturally satisfying and fulfill basic biological needs (such as food and water). For example, money does not satisfy hunger directly, but it allows a person to obtain food, making it valuable. Similarly, good grades don't directly fulfill a basic need but can lead to positive outcomes like college admission or job opportunities, which are desirable. This process of association means that secondary reinforcers can motivate behavior similarly to primary reinforcers, facilitating learning and reinforcing desired behaviors in various contexts, such as education or behavioral conditioning. This concept is crucial in understanding how different types of reinforcers can influence motivation and behavior.

The correct term for a reinforcer like money or good grades, which is associated with a primary reinforcer, is a secondary reinforcer. Secondary reinforcers are not inherently valuable but acquire their reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcers, which are naturally satisfying and fulfill basic biological needs (such as food and water).

For example, money does not satisfy hunger directly, but it allows a person to obtain food, making it valuable. Similarly, good grades don't directly fulfill a basic need but can lead to positive outcomes like college admission or job opportunities, which are desirable.

This process of association means that secondary reinforcers can motivate behavior similarly to primary reinforcers, facilitating learning and reinforcing desired behaviors in various contexts, such as education or behavioral conditioning. This concept is crucial in understanding how different types of reinforcers can influence motivation and behavior.