Essential Reading
Read this brief article for an overview of how different types of reinforcers are classified within ABA:
ABA Connect: Classifying Reinforcers
Next, read this exchange between RBT trainee Sarah and her supervisor Fred, as they discuss classifications of reinforcement and reinforcers:
Sarah: Hello, Fred! I’ve been trying to understand how reinforcement and reinforcers can be classified in different ways. Could you help me out with this?
Fred: Hello, Sarah! I’m glad you’re curious — it’s an important concept in our field. Reinforcement can be classified based on the type of stimulus used, like positive or negative reinforcement. But we can also classify reinforcers by how they came to be reinforcing: unconditioned versus conditioned reinforcers.
Sarah: So positive reinforcement adds something pleasant, and negative reinforcement removes something aversive to increase behavior?
Fred: Exactly! Plus, unconditioned reinforcers like food and warmth are naturally reinforcing, while conditioned reinforcers like tokens or music become reinforcing through association with other reinforcers.
Sarah: Are there more ways to classify reinforcers?
Fred: Yes. We can also describe reinforcers by their attributes — edible, sensory, tangible, activity, and social. This helps us be more precise in interventions. For example, playing a videogame after homework is positive reinforcement using a conditioned activity reinforcer, while giving a toddler chocolate is an unconditioned edible reinforcer.
Sarah: That makes so much sense! Thank you, Fred. Understanding this helps tailor interventions better for each person.
Fred: Absolutely, Sarah. The more precisely we identify and describe reinforcers, the more effective our behavior change strategies will be. Keep up the great work!
Essential Video
In this video, Kate Rice Harrison, a BCBA at Brett DiNovi & Associates, shares practical tips on using conditioned reinforcement effectively:
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. This will help reinforce your understanding of reinforcement classifications through guided questions.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, video, and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words (about 5–7 sentences minimum)
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
You’ll receive an email copy of your reflection to aid your RBT exam preparation.
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What are the main ways that reinforcement and reinforcers can be classified?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain conditioned vs unconditioned reinforcers to someone new to ABA?
- Importance and Connections: Why is it useful to classify reinforcers by type or attributes?
- Practical Applications: How will this knowledge help you tailor behavior change strategies?
- Insights: Did the reading or video challenge any prior assumptions you had about reinforcement?
Example Reflection:
I hadn’t realised there were so many ways to classify reinforcers. I used to think of reinforcement as just rewards, but now I see how reinforcers can be conditioned or unconditioned, or described as edible, sensory, tangible, or activity-based. It makes sense that understanding these differences helps when designing interventions. For example, knowing that money is a conditioned generalized reinforcer shows why it doesn’t lose value quickly. I also see the value in being precise when describing reinforcers in my session notes — it can help supervisors and other team members understand what’s motivating the client.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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