SECONDARY REINFORCER Meaning and
Definition
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A secondary reinforcer is a term used in behavioral psychology and behaviorism to describe a stimulus or reward that does not have an inherent value or biological significance, but gains its reinforcing properties through association with a primary reinforcer. Unlike primary reinforcers, which are innately satisfying (such as food, water, or physical pleasure), secondary reinforcers acquire their value through learned associations and experiences.
These reinforcers are typically tokens or symbols that the individual learns to associate with the primary reinforcer. They act as a bridge between the behavior and the ultimate satisfaction that the primary reinforcer provides. For example, money is a common secondary reinforcer as it has no inherent value, but it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food, shelter, or entertainment.
Secondary reinforcers enable individuals to experience delayed gratification and enhance the learning process by reinforcing behavior that leads to the primary reinforcer. In operant conditioning, which focuses on shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment, secondary reinforcers play a vital role in reinforcing desired behaviors. The associations formed between the secondary reinforcer and the primary reinforcer help individuals learn the value of certain behaviors and motivate them to repeat those behaviors in the future.
Overall, secondary reinforcers serve as a means to support and strengthen the pursuit of primary reinforcers, harnessing the power of association to promote desired behaviors and enhance learning.
Etymology of SECONDARY REINFORCER
The word "secondary reinforcer" is a term commonly used in psychology, particularly in the field of behaviorism, to refer to a type of reinforcement that derives its reinforcing properties from being associated or paired with a primary reinforcer. The etymology of the term can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. Secondary: The word "secondary" comes from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "following, second in order, subordinate". It is derived from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "second". The term "secondary" is used to describe something that is less important, subordinate, or dependent on something else.
2. Reinforcer: The word "reinforcer" in the context of psychology and behaviorism refers to a stimulus or event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a particular behavior.
