How does conditioned reinforcement differ from unconditioned reinforcement?

Conditioned reinforcement is fundamentally different from unconditioned reinforcement due to the role of prior learning experiences in establishing the value of the reinforcer. Conditioned reinforcement occurs when a stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned reinforcer (which meets a basic biological need) is learned to be reinforcing through experience. For example, money is not inherently reinforcing, but it becomes a conditioned reinforcer because it can be exchanged for things that fulfill biological needs, such as food or shelter.

On the other hand, unconditioned reinforcement is inherently effective and does not require any prior learning for its value to be understood. It is derived directly from fulfilling basic needs or biological drives, such as food, water, and warmth.

The effectiveness of these two types of reinforcement is not contingent upon one being more effective than the other, as both serve their purposes in different contexts. Additionally, conditioned reinforcement is not limited to negative reinforcement; it can also be positive. Lastly, unconditioned reinforcement can indeed be influenced by behavior, as the effectiveness may vary depending on the context or degree of deprivation experienced by the individual. Therefore, the distinction between conditioned and unconditioned reinforcement is clearly rooted in the requirement of prior learning in the case of conditioned reinforcement.