Which type of reinforcers are learned rewards, such as money or grades?

The identification of learned rewards such as money or grades as secondary reinforcers is based on the understanding of how reinforcement works in the context of behavior and motivation. Secondary reinforcers are not inherently valuable; instead, their value is acquired through association with primary reinforcers or through social and cultural context.

Primary reinforcers are innately satisfying and fulfill basic biological needs, such as food, water, and shelter, which are essential for survival. In contrast, secondary reinforcers like money or grades derive their value from learned experiences—people associate them with the ability to obtain primary reinforcers or other desired outcomes. For example, money can be exchanged for food or shelter, and good grades can lead to opportunities for further education or employment.

Intrinsic reinforcers are related to internal satisfaction derived from the activity itself, while extrinsic reinforcers involve external rewards or recognition. While extrinsic reinforcement may overlap with secondary reinforcers, the defining characteristic of secondary reinforcers is that they are learned and gain their reinforcing properties through their relationship with primary reinforcers.

Understanding this distinction is critical as it highlights the process of learning and the social constructs involved in what we come to value as rewards.