A conditioned reinforcer is something that a child learns to find rewarding because it’s been paired with a primary reward, like praise or a toy. Over time, the child starts to enjoy the conditioned reinforcer on its own, even without the primary reward. This helps encourage desired behaviors in kids with special needs.
What is a conditioned reinforcer?
A conditioned reinforcer is a stimulus that gains value by being associated with something already rewarding or pleasurable
How does a conditioned reinforcer work?
Conditioned reinforcers work by creating positive associations with desired behaviors through repeated pairing with primary reinforcers.
What are some examples of conditioned reinforcers?
Examples of conditioned reinforcers include special hand signals, praise, stickers, or specific sounds that become rewarding due to their association with positive experiences.
How can conditioned reinforcers help children with special needs?
Conditioned reinforcers can motivate and reinforce positive behaviors, facilitating skill development and creating a supportive learning environment for children with special needs.
In behavioral psychology, a conditioned reinforcer is a previously neutral stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through repeated association with a primary reinforcer. Also known as secondary reinforcers, these learned rewards play a key role in shaping and maintaining desired behaviors, especially for children with developmental disabilities. Consistent pairing of conditioned reinforcers with naturally motivating rewards helps kids with special needs learn new skills and positive habits.
Conditioned reinforcers boost motivation and teach new behaviors through:
| Primary Reinforcer | Conditioned Reinforcer |
|---|---|
| Praise, food, toys | Stickers, tokens, checkmarks |
With consistent use, conditioned reinforcers become valuable tools for encouraging positive behaviors in kids with special needs. They allow parents to reinforce good habits even when primary rewards aren’t available or would be disruptive.
This post was originally published on June 13, 2023. It was updated on June 14, 2024.
