Which of the following would be a primary reinforcer?

Which of the following would be a primary reinforcer?

• A. Food
• B. Money
• C. Praise
• D. Social approval

Answer: (A)

Primary reinforcers are biologically based and satisfy fundamental needs without any prior learning. Food fits this because it directly relieves hunger and provides energy, making it inherently reinforcing. Money, praise, and social approval are learned or conditioned reinforcers: their value comes from associations with primary rewards or social outcomes learned over time. They can motivate behavior, but not because they meet a basic biological need.

Primary reinforcers are biologically based and satisfy fundamental needs without any prior learning. Food fits this because it directly relieves hunger and provides energy, making it inherently reinforcing. Money, praise, and social approval are learned or conditioned reinforcers: their value comes from associations with primary rewards or social outcomes learned over time. They can motivate behavior, but not because they meet a basic biological need.