Secondary reinforcement in psychology refers to a stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer. Unlike primary reinforcers, which are inherently rewarding (like food or water), secondary reinforcers are learned.
Understanding Secondary Reinforcement
A secondary reinforcer, sometimes called a conditioned reinforcer, doesn't possess intrinsic value. Its value comes from its connection to something that is inherently valuable, i.e., a primary reinforcer. Think of it as a middleman; it stands between a behavior and the ultimate reward.
How it Works: The Association Process
The process works through classical conditioning. A neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with a primary reinforcer. Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes associated with the primary reinforcer, and it acquires the ability to elicit a similar response. The previously neutral stimulus is now a secondary reinforcer.
Examples of Secondary Reinforcers
- Money: Money itself has no inherent value (you can't eat it, drink it, or live in it directly). However, it is associated with purchasing things that satisfy basic needs and desires, like food, shelter, and entertainment.
- Praise: Verbal affirmations like "good job" or "excellent work" become reinforcing through their association with positive outcomes, feelings of accomplishment, and the attention they garner from others.
- Grades: Good grades, such as an "A" on a test, are secondary reinforcers. They are associated with praise from parents and teachers, admission to desired programs, and future career opportunities.
- Tokens: Token economy systems rely on tokens (e.g., poker chips, stickers) that can be exchanged for desirable rewards. The tokens gain their reinforcing value from their link to those rewards.
Primary vs. Secondary Reinforcers: A Comparison
| Feature | Primary Reinforcer | Secondary Reinforcer |
|---|---|---|
| Inherent Value | Yes | No |
| Learned | No | Yes |
| Examples | Food, water, shelter, relief from pain | Money, praise, grades, tokens |
| Effectiveness | Directly satisfies a biological or survival need | Effective through association with primary reinforcers |
Importance in Learning and Behavior
Secondary reinforcers are crucial for shaping complex behaviors. They allow for:
- Delayed gratification: Because they don't require immediate satisfaction of a need, secondary reinforcers allow individuals to work towards long-term goals.
- Bridge between behavior and ultimate reward: They can be delivered immediately after a behavior, even if the primary reinforcer is not immediately available.
- Generalization: Secondary reinforcers can be applied across many different situations and behaviors, making them versatile tools for shaping behavior.
Potential Problems
While generally beneficial, overuse of some types of secondary reinforcement may lead to problems. For instance, overreliance on praise may reduce intrinsic motivation. Additionally, if the association between the secondary reinforcer and the primary reinforcer is broken, the secondary reinforcer can lose its effectiveness.
In conclusion, secondary reinforcement is a powerful mechanism that explains how stimuli beyond basic survival needs can motivate and shape our behavior through learned associations.
