In psychology, reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. There are two main types of reinforcement: primary and secondary.

Primary reinforcers

are things that are naturally rewarding, such as food, water, and shelter.

Secondary reinforcers

are things that become rewarding because they have been associated with primary reinforcers. For example, money is a secondary reinforcer because it can be used to buy primary reinforcers such as food and shelter. Other examples of secondary reinforcers include praise, attention, and tokens.

Secondary reinforcers can be very effective in motivating behavior. They can be used to reward desired behaviors and to discourage undesired behaviors. However, it is important to note that secondary reinforcers are only effective if they have been properly associated with primary reinforcers.

Using Secondary Reinforcers Effectively

To use secondary reinforcers effectively, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Identify the desired behavior. What behavior do you want to increase?
2. Identify a secondary reinforcer. What is something that the person will find rewarding?
3. Establish a clear connection between the behavior and the reinforcer. The person should know that they will receive the reinforcer only if they perform the desired behavior.
4. Deliver the reinforcer immediately after the behavior. This will help to strengthen the association between the behavior and the reinforcer.
5. Be consistent. Reinforce the behavior every time it occurs. This will help to make the behavior more habitual.

By following these steps, you can use secondary reinforcers to effectively motivate behavior.

Tips for Using Secondary Reinforcers

Here are some tips for using secondary reinforcers effectively:

• Use a variety of reinforcers. This will help to keep the person motivated and prevent them from becoming bored with the same old rewards.
• Make the reinforcers meaningful. The reinforcers should be something that the person actually wants.
• Be patient. It may take some time for the person to learn to associate the behavior with the reinforcer.
• Don’t give up. If you don’t see results immediately, don’t give up. Keep reinforcing the behavior and eventually the person will learn to repeat it.

Conclusion: Different Types of Reinforcement

Primary and secondary reinforcers are two powerful tools that can be used to motivate behavior. By following the tips in this article, you can use secondary reinforcers effectively to help people change their behavior for the better.

Are you interested in learning more about secondary reinforcers? Here are some additional resources:

Image: www.chegg.com

1. Simply Psychology: Operant Conditioning

2. 
   Image: sparkhouse-01.blogspot.com

   Which Of The Following Is A Secondary Reinforcer

   https://youtube.com/watch?v=4l8cvoNXNHM

   Psychology Today: Primary and Secondary Reinforcers