Positive reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral psychology. It refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior... More occurs when a behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organisms engage in, which can be observed, measured, and analyzed. It encompasses all interactions an organism has with its environment, inc... More is followed by the addition of a stimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or form of energy that affects an organism’s behavior or physiological state. Stimuli can be external or internal, and they can el... More (a reinforcerA reinforcer is any consequence or stimulus that, when presented after a behavior, increases or maintains the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the futu... More) that increases the likelihood that the behavior will happen again in the future. In positive reinforcement, something desirable is added to strengthen the behavior.
Example
A student completes their homework, and the teacher gives them praise or a reward (such as a sticker or extra playtime). The addition of praise or the reward encourages the student to complete their homework again in the future.
Another example: A child cleans their room, and the parent gives them extra time to play video games. The extra playtime serves as a positive reinforcer, increasing the probability that the child will clean their room again.