Which term describes a reinforcement that is learned through association with a primary reinforcer?

• A. Primary reinforcer
• B. Latent learning
• C. Secondary reinforcer
• D. General intelligence (g)

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how rewards can gain their power through learning. A reinforcement that is learned by association with a primary reinforcement is a secondary reinforcer. Primary reinforcers are natural rewards—food, water, warmth—things that satisfy a basic need. Secondary reinforcers, like money, praise, tokens, or a clicker in animal training, don’t satisfy a need on their own but become reinforcing because they’re paired with or signal the delivery of something that does. Over time, the presence or use of the secondary reinforcer increases the likelihood of the behavior just as effectively as the primary one, because it has acquired reinforcing value through that learned association.

Latent learning describes knowledge that’s acquired without reinforcement and only shows up later, so it isn’t about reinforcement becoming reinforcing. General intelligence isn’t about reinforcement history. A primary reinforcer is the natural reward itself, not something learned through association.