Final answer:
Effort is the term that describes how much work is required to obtain a reinforcer, with greater effort leading to a higher perception of value and learning, and it is closely associated with the concepts of grit and resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to how hard or how much the learner needs to work to obtain the reinforcer is Effort. In psychology, a learner's effort is seen as essential for acquiring new skills and reinforcing behaviors. A high degree of effort can lead to an increased perception of value as well as a greater sense of achievement. This psychological principle is exemplified in the concept of justification of effort, which posits that individuals tend to value goals and achievements more significantly when they are achieved through substantial effort.
Research has shown that students perceive courses that require more effort as more valuable and report learning more from these courses, even if their grades are not the highest. This underlines the importance of grit and resilience in the educational process, as these traits entail perseverance and the commitment to keep trying until success is achieved.