Primary Reinforcement

Definition

Primary reinforcement refers to a type of reinforcement that satisfies a basic biological need or desire, such as food, water, or shelter. It directly fulfills our innate needs and has intrinsic value.

Theoretical Perspectives

Primary reinforcement involves an innate stimulus that satisfies a biological need, crucial in behaviorist theories like Skinner's operant conditioning, where it directly strengthens desired behavior.

Study And Research Findings

Skinner's experiments with rats and pigeons in the Skinner Box demonstrated how primary reinforcers (like food) increased the frequency of behaviors through positive reinforcement.

Related terms

Secondary Reinforcement:

Secondary reinforcement refers to a type of reinforcement that is learned through association with primary reinforcers. It does not have intrinsic value but gains value by being associated with something that does.

Operant Conditioning:

Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by consequences (reinforcements or punishments) that follow them.

Positive Reinforcement:

Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable in order to strengthen a behavior. It can be either primary or secondary in nature.