APA Dictionary of Psychology

intrinsic reinforcement

Updated on 04/19/2018
the obtainment of a positively valued outcome from the performance of an action. The outcome itself is inherent to the activity and called an intrinsic reinforcer. For example, blowing on a harmonica naturally produces sounds. If the sounds serve to reinforce blowing on the harmonica, then the sounds provide intrinsic reinforcement. Compare extrinsic reinforcement.
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