PSY 150 Operant Conditioning Types of Reinforcers

Summary

This lecture by Pat Johnson in PSY 150 explores the concept of reinforcers in operant conditioning, distinguishing between primary and secondary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers, such as food and warmth, are innately understood and biological in nature. In contrast, secondary reinforcers, like money and grades, acquire their value through learned associations with primary reinforcers. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as it highlights how behaviors can be influenced by both innate needs and learned experiences. The lecture emphasizes the importance of these concepts in shaping behavior and the implications for learning and motivation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reinforcers are consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
• 😀 There are two main types of reinforcers: primary and secondary.
• 😀 Primary reinforcers are innately reinforcing and do not require learning to understand.
• 😀 Examples of primary reinforcers include food, warmth, and sunshine.
• 😀 Secondary reinforcers, also known as conditioned reinforcers, gain their value through association with primary reinforcers.
• 😀 Money is a key example of a secondary reinforcer, as it can buy primary reinforcers like food.
• 😀 Grades serve as secondary reinforcers, representing success and leading to opportunities.
• 😀 The effectiveness of secondary reinforcers is learned over time through experience.
• 😀 Primary reinforcers are biological and fulfill basic needs directly.
• 😀 Understanding the difference between primary and secondary reinforcers is crucial in operant conditioning.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lecture?

The lecture focuses on types of reinforcers in operant conditioning, specifically distinguishing between primary and secondary reinforcers.

What defines a primary reinforcer?

A primary reinforcer is any consequence that is innately reinforcing, meaning it naturally increases behavior without requiring prior learning.

Can you give examples of primary reinforcers?

Examples of primary reinforcers include food, warmth, and other biological necessities that fulfill basic human needs.

What is a secondary reinforcer?

A secondary reinforcer, or conditioned reinforcer, gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer, requiring learning to understand its value.

How does one learn the value of secondary reinforcers?

The value of secondary reinforcers is learned through experience and association, such as understanding that money can be exchanged for food.

Why is money considered a secondary reinforcer?

Money is considered a secondary reinforcer because it does not have intrinsic value; instead, its worth is derived from its ability to purchase primary reinforcers like food.

What role do grades play as a secondary reinforcer?

Grades serve as secondary reinforcers by representing academic achievement, which can lead to further opportunities like obtaining a degree and securing a job.

Do secondary reinforcers hold less value than primary reinforcers?

No, secondary reinforcers do not hold less value; they can be just as powerful but require learning to understand their significance.

How might a baby react to a secondary reinforcer like money?

A baby might not understand the value of money and could try to put it in their mouth, not recognizing it as a secondary reinforcer until they learn its association with primary reinforcers.

What is the overall takeaway regarding primary and secondary reinforcers?

The main takeaway is that primary reinforcers are biologically inherent and instinctively recognized, while secondary reinforcers are learned associations that can effectively increase behavior when linked to primary reinforcers.