Question

A primary reinforcer has _____________ reinforcing properties; a secondary reinforcer has _____________ reinforcing properties. A. biological; acquired B. conditioned; unconditioned C. weak; potent D. immediate; delayed

Short answer

Question: Primary reinforcers have _____ properties, while secondary reinforcers have _____ properties. Answer: biological; acquired

Step-by-step solution

Check Option A

A. biological; acquired. This option correctly describes primary reinforcers as having biological reinforcement properties, and secondary reinforcers having acquired reinforcement properties. Therefore, option A is correct.

Check Option B

B. conditioned; unconditioned. This option incorrectly associates primary reinforcers with conditioned properties and secondary reinforcers with unconditioned properties. This doesn't align with their definitions, so option B is incorrect.

Check Option C

C. weak; potent. This option incorrectly characterizes primary reinforcers as weak and secondary reinforcers as potent. Strength is not an appropriate distinction, so option C is incorrect.

Check Option D

D. immediate; delayed. This option incorrectly compares primary reinforcers as having immediate properties and secondary reinforcers as delayed properties. The difference between primary and secondary reinforcers is not based on timing, so option D is incorrect. The correct answer is A. biological; acquired.

Key concepts

Primary and Secondary Reinforcers

In the field of psychology, reinforcers are stimuli that, when presented after a behavior, increase the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. Primary reinforcers are innately satisfying and require no learning to be pleasurable. They are linked to biological needs that are essential for survival such as food, water, and warmth. For instance, when a student studies hard and is rewarded with a delicious meal, the meal serves as a primary reinforcer because it satisfies a biological need for food.

Secondary reinforcers, on the other hand, have no inherent value and only gain their reinforcing qualities through their association with primary reinforcers. They are also known as conditioned reinforcers. An example of this is money; it's a piece of paper or metal but has value because it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers, like food or shelter. Similarly, praise might become a secondary reinforcer because it is often linked with positive feelings and social bonding.

Biological Reinforcement

Biological reinforcement revolves around the idea that certain stimuli are naturally reinforcing because they satisfy basic biological needs. This forms the basis of what is known as the biological basis of behavior. In contrast to acquired or secondary reinforcers, biological reinforcers do not need to be learned; they are hardwired into our neural circuits as desirable because they are critical for survival. For example, taking a drink when you are thirsty is naturally reinforcing because it meets the body's requirement for hydration. Similarly, sleeping provides reinforcement because it fulfills the biological need for rest.

Acquired Reinforcement

Acquired reinforcement involves stimuli that people learn to value through the process of conditioning. These stimuli are initially neutral, but they acquire the ability to reinforce behaviors because they are paired with primary reinforcers or other powerful reinforcers. Positive feedback for a well-done job can serve as an acquired reinforcer. For example, a student may start to see grades as reinforcing once they recognize that good grades can lead to future success, which is a rewarding outcome they have learned to value. Similarly, social approval, trophies, and other forms of recognition can also be reinforced through cultural norms and personal experiences.