Conditioned Reinforcer
Also called: secondary reinforcer, learned reinforcer
Definition
A stimulus that has acquired the ability to reinforce behavior through a history of being paired with other reinforcers. Praise, tokens, money and a favorite song are conditioned reinforcers. If the pairing stops for long enough, the conditioned reinforcer can lose its effect.
In plain language
Something that became a reward because it kept showing up with things that already were rewards. Praise and tokens are examples.
Example
"Nice work" starts to increase a learner's effort after weeks of being paired with tickles and preferred toys.
Not conditioned reinforcer
A drink of water for a thirsty learner. Its power does not depend on any pairing.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
Written from Skinner (1953). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.