For example, if you raise your hand and get praise for a contribution, that could be a powerful reward for you. If you get recognition every time you raise your hand, we call that a fixed ratio schedule. If it s more random, we call that a variable ratio schedule. A variable ratio tends to be much more powerful as a mechanism for shaping behavior. Gambling can become addictive.
Primary reinforcement represents the satisfaction of basic needs like food and water.
The degree to which you are willing to delay gratification, to continue your studies while some in your age group are already working full time and making money, for example, reflects this difference. In the long term, good grades are linked with advanced degrees and higher income. In the short term, a college education costs you in time, energy and money. There are two other important principles at play here. When you stop getting any reinforcement for contributing in class, for instance, when you raise your hand but never get called on, you ll probably give up trying in time.