Final answer:
The correct option is b) Secondary.
A stimulus that gains reinforcing power through its connection with a primary reinforcer is known as a secondary reinforcer. Secondary reinforcers have no inherent value and only become reinforcing when linked to primal needs or already established positive associations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stimulus that gains reinforcing power through its link with a primary reinforcer is called a secondary reinforcer. These reinforcers do not have inherent value and only become reinforcing when they are associated with a primary reinforcer, such as food, water, or shelter. Secondary reinforcers include things like praise, money, and stickers on a behavior chart, which only have value because they can be exchanged for primary reinforcers or because they have been conditioned to be associated with them.
Examples of secondary reinforcers vary from the praise given when a goal is scored in soccer, indicating affection or approval, to the monetary system, which is powerful due to its ability to purchase necessities and desires. In educational settings, tokens like gold stars or points can be used as secondary reinforcers to encourage student engagement and motivation. The effectiveness of a secondary reinforcer is deeply rooted in its connection with primary reinforcers and the context in which it is used.