1. Primary reinforcers
2. Conditioned (secondary) reinforcers.

A primary reinforcer has innate reinforcing value. Examples include: food, attention, love, fun.

A conditioned reinforcer gains reinforcing value only after it has become associated with a primary reinforcer or a previously conditioned reinforcer.

The sound of the tag is a conditioned reinforcer since it has no innate reinforcing value; however, pairing the sound of the tag with candy, success or something else pleasant for the learner causes the tag sound to acquire reinforcing value.

Tag = Success

Success = Feels happy

Tag = Feels happy

The tag tells the student: “You did it right” and there will be no “better buts” or commentary on mistakes from the teacher or coach.

For some learners the tag sound is reinforcing on its own because it is the sound of success. Adult learners and serious athletes often do not need tangible rewards. Many people have reported to us that they have used the tag sound without giving any other reinforcer, especially with young children. The tag sound itself is reinforcing for many learners even without prior conditioning.

There are 4 types of reinforcers commonly used with TAGteach. These are:

1. Sensory
2. Activity
3. Material
4. Social

Here are some examples of sensory reinforcers. These are only reinforcing if they make the learner feel good and increase behavior. Some people may not find it reinforcing to have the chance to listen to AC/DC or Nine Inch Nails, but some might!

Here are some examples of activity reinforcers. These are things that learners would like to do. Again these are different for different types of learners. Teens may like to be allowed to use their ipods or check their text messages during class, while younger children may like to visit a play station.

Material reinforcers are actual things that the learner can take home. At the end of this lesson we will give you some links to websites that have dizzying arrays of possible material reinforcers. Visit you local dollar store for lots of ideas. 

Social reinforcers can be very effective and they cost nothing! Praise from the teacher and one-on-one attention are social reinforcers that any age of learner will work for.