Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What is typically classified as a primary reinforcer?

1. A conditioned stimulus

2. A neutral stimulus

3. A stimulus that satisfies basic biological needs

4. A stimulus that has been learned over time

The correct answer is: A stimulus that satisfies basic biological needs

The classification of a primary reinforcer is based on its ability to fulfill basic biological needs. Primary reinforcers are inherently valuable to an organism and do not require any learning or conditioning to affect behavior. Examples of primary reinforcers include food, water, shelter, and sleep, as they directly satisfy vital survival needs. In contrast, the other provided options represent concepts that are not inherently tied to biological needs or immediate motivational states. A conditioned stimulus, for instance, elicits a response only after being associated with a primary reinforcer and does not satisfy biological needs on its own. Similarly, a neutral stimulus holds no intrinsic value and only affects behavior when it has been paired with a reinforcing stimulus. Lastly, a stimulus that has been learned over time indicates a secondary or conditioned reinforcer, which derives its reinforcing properties through association rather than direct necessity. Thus, option C is correct because it highlights that primary reinforcers fulfill fundamental biological requirements essential for survival.