reinforcer

In psychology, a reinforcer is a consequence that increases the probability that a behavior will occur again in the future. It is a central concept of operant conditioning, a learning theory developed by B. F. Skinner. Reinforcement differs from punishment in that reinforcement strengthens behavior rather than suppressing it.

Reinforcers can be classified as positive or negative. Positive reinforcement involves presenting a desirable stimulus after a target behavior (for example, praise, a reward, or a sticker). Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus following the behavior, such as stopping an annoying noise when a task is completed. Reinforcers are also categorized as primary or secondary: primary reinforcers satisfy basic needs (food, water, relief from pain). Secondary (or conditioned) reinforcers acquire value through association with primary reinforcers (money, grades, social approval, tokens).

Effectiveness depends on factors such as immediacy, consistency, and magnitude, as well as the schedule of reinforcement. Continuous reinforcement reinforces every occurrence of the behavior, while intermittent reinforcement tends to produce greater resistance to extinction. Through repetition, organisms learn to discriminate which behaviors are reinforced, and generalization can occur across similar cues.

Reinforcers are widely used in education, animal training, clinical therapy, and behavior modification programs. Ethical considerations emphasize minimizing coercion and ensuring that reinforcement strategies promote welfare and autonomy. The concept remains a foundation of behavioral analysis and applied behavior analysis (ABA).