Reward Value

Reward value is our perception of a reward’s worth or appeal for positively reinforcing our behavior so we’re motivated to repeat it. Assigned value to a potential reward varies based on our preferences, needs, context, and past experiences. Other influencers are the reward’s size/quantity, probability of receiving it, delay between behavior and receiving it, and associated social cues/expectations. Reward value is not fixed; it can change over time depending on emotional state, relationships, prior experiences, stress, and changing personal needs. Also see Operant Conditioning (positive reinforcers increase probability of behavior repeating) and Reward System