Unconditioned Reinforcer
Also called: primary reinforcer, unlearned reinforcer
Definition
A stimulus that functions as a reinforcer without any learning history because of the biology of the species — food when hungry, water when thirsty, warmth, sleep, relief from pain. Their effectiveness still rises and falls with motivating operations, so a primary reinforcer is not an always-on one.
In plain language
Something that works as a reward from birth, like food or warmth. Nobody had to learn to want it.
Example
A small piece of a favorite snack delivered after a correct response to a hungry learner.
Not unconditioned reinforcer
A token, which only works because it can be traded for something else.
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.