What is a secondary reinforcer?

A secondary reinforcer is defined as stimuli that acquire reinforcing properties by being paired with primary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers are typically biologically necessary items that satisfy basic needs, such as food and water. Secondary reinforcers, on the other hand, do not have inherent value in themselves but are learned through association with primary reinforcers. For example, money is a secondary reinforcer; it does not satisfy basic needs directly, but it can be used to obtain primary reinforcers like food and shelter. This learned association is what gives secondary reinforcers their power in influencing behavior and motivation.

In contrast, stimuli that are naturally reinforcing refer to primary reinforcers, while stimuli that are ineffective in changing behavior do not hold the same type of significance in the context. Lastly, the option referring to stimuli that respond only to unconditioned stimuli would describe aspects of classical conditioning rather than the concept of secondary reinforcers. Thus, the correct understanding is that secondary reinforcers gain their reinforcing capability through their connection to primary reinforcers.