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Primary Reinforcement

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AP Psychology

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.

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