When describing the effectiveness of different types of reinforcers, why is money different from food?

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: In operant conditioning, food is considered a primary reinforcer because it is a biological need that reinforces behavior naturally. Eating satisfies a need for hunger so food is automatically reinforcing. In other words, the need to satisfy one’s hunger motivates behavior naturally. Money, on the other hand, is a secondary reinforcer because the value of money must be learned and associated with a primary reinforcer such as a need to achieve or succeed. Once the value of money is learned, it can be a very effective method of reinforcement.