In behavioral psychology, what is a primary reinforcer?

A primary reinforcer is defined as a stimulus that inherently satisfies a basic biological need, making it naturally reinforcing without the need for prior learning or conditioning. Examples of primary reinforcers include food, water, warmth, and other essential substances that fulfill immediate physical needs. These reinforcers are crucial for survival and motivate behavior because they address fundamental human and animal needs.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. A stimulus learned through conditioning refers to secondary reinforcers, which derive their reinforcing properties from associations with primary reinforcers. Punishment that is inherently aversive is not related to reinforcement and instead focuses on decreasing behavior. Lastly, verbal praise is a type of social reinforcement; it requires prior learning and is not inherently satisfying in the way primary reinforcers are. This distinction underlines the significance of primary reinforcers in motivating and shaping behavior in foundational ways.