Georgia Hunter Safety Practice Exam

Which type of reinforcer is something an animal finds innately valuable without any learning needed?

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Learned

4. Conditioned

The correct answer is: Primary

The concept of a primary reinforcer is fundamental in understanding how certain rewards naturally motivate behavior without the need for prior learning or conditioning. A primary reinforcer is something that satisfies a biological need or drive, such as food, water, or shelter. These are inherently valuable to an animal's survival and well-being; for example, food provides the energy necessary for life, so it is naturally reinforcing. In contrast, secondary reinforcers require some form of conditioning or learning to acquire their value. They are not innately valuable and often derive their reinforcing properties from being associated with primary reinforcers; for instance, money is a secondary reinforcer because it can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food or shelter. Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary reinforcers helps in various fields, including animal training and behavior modification, where the effectiveness of different types of reinforcers can impact the learning process.