A stimulus that gains its reinforcing properties through association with a primary reinforcer is termed a secondary or learned reinforcer. This type of stimulus was initially neutral but acquired the ability to increase the frequency of a behavior because of its link to a biologically significant event. For instance, money, originally without inherent value, becomes a powerful motivator because it can be exchanged for food, shelter, or other necessities.
The significance of these learned motivators lies in their practicality and efficiency in shaping behavior. Unlike primary reinforcers, which are often limited by satiation or availability, these secondary stimuli can be used across a wider range of situations and can bridge the gap between a behavior and a delayed primary reward. Historically, the understanding of how these learned incentives operate has greatly enhanced methods of training animals, managing employee performance, and treating behavioral issues in humans.
