Secondary reinforcement refers to the reinforcing properties of stimuli that are not inherently reinforcing, but become reinforcing through their association with primary reinforcement. Primary reinforcement refers to stimuli that are inherently reinforcing, such as food, water, and sex. In contrast, secondary reinforcement refers to stimuli that acquire reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcement.
One example of secondary reinforcement is money. Money is not inherently reinforcing, but it can be used to obtain primary reinforcement, such as food, water, and shelter. Therefore, the act of earning money becomes reinforcing because it allows an individual to obtain primary reinforcement.
Another example of secondary reinforcement is social approval and attention. These stimuli are not inherently reinforcing, but they can be very rewarding for humans because they are often associated with positive primary reinforcement, such as social connection and acceptance. For example, if a child receives praise and attention from their parents for completing a task, they may be more likely to repeat the task in the future because they have learned that it will lead to positive primary reinforcement.
In addition, the use of punishment can also be considered a form of secondary reinforcement. Punishment is not inherently reinforcing, but it can be effective in reducing or eliminating undesirable behavior because it is often associated with the removal of primary reinforcement. For example, if a child is consistently reprimanded for misbehaving, they may learn to avoid misbehaving in the future because they have learned that it will lead to the removal of primary reinforcement, such as privileges or toys.
In conclusion, secondary reinforcement refers to the reinforcing properties of stimuli that are not inherently reinforcing, but become reinforcing through their association with primary reinforcement. Examples of secondary reinforcement include money, social approval, and punishment. Understanding the concept of secondary reinforcement can be useful in shaping and reinforcing desirable behavior, as well as in understanding the underlying mechanisms of reinforcement in general.