Final answer:
Secondary reinforcers, like praise or tokens, have no inherent value but when associated with primary reinforcers, they are effective in increasing positive behaviors. They serve as powerful tools for behavior modification in various settings, employing positive reinforcement to encourage the repetition of desired behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of Secondary Reinforcers in Positive Control
The function of secondary reinforcers in positive control is to increase the likelihood of a behavior by associating it with a primary reinforcer. Secondary reinforcers, such as praise, money, and tokens, have no inherent value but gain their reinforcing qualities through their association with primary reinforcers, which satisfy basic needs or are innately pleasurable. For example, if a child receives praise (secondary reinforcer) for good behavior, they are likely to repeat the behavior because the praise is associated with affection (primary reinforcer). Similarly, in a school setting, providing a toy as a reward for cleaning a room or money for reading books can serve as effective secondary reinforcers that increase the desired behaviors through positive reinforcement.
Token economies, where tokens are given as secondary reinforcers and can later be exchanged for rewards, are highly effective in various environments from schools to correctional facilities. These tokens increase positive behaviors because they are associated with and can be traded in for primary reinforcers, like playtime or physical items that the student may want.
Ultimately, secondary reinforcers in the form of token economies, praise, or rewards, when used appropriately, serve as powerful tools for control and behavior modification, relying on the principle of positive reinforcement to encourage and sustain desired behaviors.