Final answer:
The claim that tangible reinforcers include verbal praise and similar non-material forms of recognition is false. Tangible reinforcers refer to material rewards like stickers and toys, whereas verbal praise is an intangible, secondary reinforcer associated with primary reinforcers like food and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that tangible reinforcers are material items such as verbal praise, a pat on the back, or a nod of approval is false. Tangible reinforcers are indeed material items, but they are things like stickers, toys, or money. Verbal praise, a pat on the back, or a nod of approval are examples of intangible reinforcers, specifically forms of social reinforcements that can be considered secondary reinforcements. These secondary reinforcers have their rewarding properties through their association with primary reinforcers, which are inherently satisfying and have innate reinforcing qualities.
Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, and shelter, are essential to survival and are innately pleasurable. Secondary reinforcers like money and tokens gain value through their association with primary reinforcers and can be used effectively in operant conditioning to modify behavior and increase a specific response. Effective reinforcement strategies are crucial for teaching new behaviors and can employ different types of reinforcers, including positive reinforcement, where a desirable stimulus is added to increase a behavior.