primary reinforcement

noun

A consequence, such as food or water, that fulfills a primary, unlearned drive, such as hunger or thirst, and thereby reinforces a behavior without dependence on prior learning.

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Meanings

nounprimary reinforcement (plural primary reinforcements)

plural primary reinforcements

  1. human sciencesA consequence, such as food or water, that fulfills a primary, unlearned drive, such as hunger or thirst, and thereby reinforces a behavior without dependence on prior learning.
Cite this entry
APA

primary reinforcement. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/primary%20reinforcement

MLA

“primary reinforcement.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/primary%20reinforcement. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “primary reinforcement,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/primary%20reinforcement.

Source: primary reinforcement on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.