---
title: "Secondary Reinforcement — AP Psychology Definition & Examples"
description: "Secondary reinforcement is a learned reinforcer (like money or tokens) that gains power by being paired with a primary reinforcer. Key for AP Psych operant conditioning."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/secondary-reinforcement"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Secondary Reinforcement — AP Psychology Definition & Examples

## Definition

Secondary reinforcement refers to a stimulus that becomes reinforcing after being paired with a primary reinforcer. It does not have intrinsic value, but gains value through its association with something rewarding.

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Primary Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/primary-reinforcement): Primary reinforcement is a stimulus that naturally satisfies a biological need or desire, such as food or water.
- [Positive Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/positive-reinforcement): Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.
- [Negative Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/negative-reinforcement): Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.