What type of reinforcer gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer?

The type of reinforcer that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer is referred to as a conditioned reinforcer. Conditioned reinforcers are stimuli that initially have no intrinsic value but acquire reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcers, which are inherently valuable and satisfy basic needs, such as food, water, or shelter.

For example, money is a common conditioned reinforcer. It does not have value on its own, but because it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food or shelter, it becomes reinforcing. This understanding is essential in behavioral interventions and teaching strategies, especially in contexts involving individuals with autism, as it allows practitioners to effectively use various types of reinforcers to encourage desired behaviors.

In contrast, unconditioned reinforcers have inherent value and do not require any learning or association to be reinforcing. Positive reinforcers refer broadly to any reward given following a desired behavior, which could include either conditioned or unconditioned reinforcers. Negative reinforcers involve the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior but are distinct from the concept of conditioned reinforcement. Therefore, the definition and role of conditioned reinforcers are crucial in the context of behavior modification.