primary reinforcement
nounUK /ˈpraɪ.mə.ri ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːs.mənt/
US /ˈpraɪ.mɛr.i ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːrs.mənt/
Something good, like food or a hug, that makes a person or animal want to do something again.
Giving the puppy a treat after it sits is a primary reinforcement that helps it learn.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In psychology, a stimulus that satisfies a biological need without prior learning.
Food and water act as primary reinforcement for a hungry animal.
3. A reward that works on its own, not because it has been paired with something else.
For a thirsty child, a drink of water is primary reinforcement.
4. The process of strengthening a behavior using a natural, unlearned reward.
The trainer used primary reinforcement to encourage the dolphin to jump.