What type of reinforcement is money considered?

Money is classified as a secondary reinforcer because it does not have intrinsic value on its own but instead gains its reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, and shelter, are naturally satisfying and fulfill basic biological needs. In contrast, money can be exchanged for primary reinforcers and other goods and services, thus its value is derived from the ability to obtain those essentials or other desired outcomes.

Secondary reinforcers are learned reinforcers, as they acquire their ability to influence behavior by being associated with primary reinforcers over time. Money exemplifies this relationship; it is not inherently satisfying but becomes a powerful tool in shaping behavior due to its effectiveness in facilitating access to primary reinforcers. This characteristic differentiates money from both primary and negative reinforcers.

While money can also be considered a positive reinforcer in the broader context of operant conditioning, the more precise categorization in this context is as a secondary reinforcer, as it holds value only through its learned association with primary needs.