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Intrinsic Desires, Intrinsic Reinforcers, and Intrinsic Punishers
When we speak of a desire as being intrinsic or innate, we mean that it is deeply bred into the genetic and physiological fabric of our being. For example, the desire to be warm and comfortable is intrinsic, as is the desire to be free of pain, hunger, thirst, and emotional upset, not to mention the desire to eat and drink things that taste good.
The desire to feel good is also intrinsic. You know that's true because no one has to learn to want to feel good. Right from the first time in your life that you feel good, you know that you want to feel good some more. It's not something that you have to learn to want because - well - because it's intrinsic.
When a thing like food or water or meaningful physical contact serves to increase the frequency of your target response, it is called an intrinsic reinforcer. For example, if you are teaching your dog to sit, and you cause him to sit on command more often by rewarding him with food when he does it right, then, the food is said to be an intrinsic reinforcer, because it increases the target response by virtue of its relationship to your dog's physical needs.
When you cause a dog to emit the target behavior less often by making him emotionally upset or physically uncomfortable after the fact, then, you are said to be using intrinsic punishment. The corrective tap on the nose is an intrinsic punisher, as is badgering your dog with your unsettling voice.
Of all the various types of punishment and reinforcement, intrinsic punishers and intrinsic reinforcers are hands down more effective at fostering change as compared to social reinforcers and social punishers.
Intrinsic needs, intrinsic desires, intrinsic reinforcers and intrinsic punishers all, always pertain to some physiologic need or biological drive.