C.2 · Behavior Acquisition

Conditioned reinforcers

Review how pairing and token exchanges relate to conditioned reinforcing value. Examples show the importance of checking behavioral effects and seeking supervisor direction when the planned backup activity is unavailable.

Task C.2: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers

Useful foundations: C.1: Positive and negative reinforcement

The rule

A previously neutral stimulus can acquire reinforcing value through learning; check the pairing or exchange arrangement and the effect on behavior.

A token, sound or praise phrase acquires reinforcing value through a relevant learning history. Maintain its programmed relationship with an established reinforcer and evaluate its effect on responding.

Key terms
Conditioned reinforcer
An event that gains reinforcing value through a learning history.
Backup reinforcer
The item or activity for which earned tokens can be exchanged.

What to look for

DistinctionLook forHow to decide
PairingA neutral event accompanies an established reinforcerLook for a consistent learning relationship.
Contingent deliveryThe conditioned stimulus follows the target responseKeep the response–consequence relation clear.
Backup and effectAccess to established reinforcers and later respondingMaintain the relation and evaluate whether behavior increases.

Worked examples

Pairing

A new praise phrase gains meaning

A learner reliably engages with a favorite musical toy. In an approved pairing procedure, the RBT says “Nice trying” immediately before providing brief access to it. Initially the phrase alone has no known reinforcing effect.

Relevant facts

  • Toy access has established reinforcing value for this learner.
  • The new phrase is repeatedly paired with that access.

This procedure is intended to establish conditioned reinforcing value for the phrase.

New phrase + established reinforcer → learning history

The pairing arrangement aims to establish the phrase’s reinforcing value. The supervisor evaluates whether the phrase subsequently strengthens a response.

Tokens

A sticker must mean something

In a token plan, each completed sorting step earns one sticker. Three stickers can be exchanged immediately for a chosen two-minute activity. Completed steps increase over repeated comparable sessions. One day the activity materials are unavailable.

Relevant facts

  • Stickers are earned for a defined response.
  • Their value depends on a reliable exchange arrangement.

Deliver the token plan faithfully and seek direction about the unavailable backup activity.

Sorting step → sticker; 3 stickers → agreed activity

The sticker’s value depends on its learned exchange relationship. Preserve the programmed exchanges and seek supervisor direction when the planned reward or price needs attention.

What changes the answer?

Consider a new symbol that appears after each completed step.

  • The symbol is visually identical in both cases.

It has a learned exchange history and increases future steps.

Evidence supports a conditioned reinforcer.

Learning history and behavioral effect are present.

It has never been paired or exchanged, and no effect is shown.

Establish its learning history and evaluate its effect before treating it as a reinforcer.

Conditioned reinforcing value depends on learning history and an observed effect on responding.

The relevant difference is what the symbol has come to predict and do.

Remember

  • Conditioned value develops through learning.
  • Keep pairings and exchanges consistent with the plan.
Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · C.2 version 3.