Are stickers considered positive reinforcers?

Stickers can indeed be considered positive reinforcers because they serve to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior when given as a reward. In the context of behavioral psychology, a positive reinforcer is anything that, when presented after a behavior, strengthens or increases the probability of that behavior occurring in the future. Stickers, particularly in educational or therapeutic settings, are often used to reward children for completing tasks, thus promoting further engagement and desired behaviors.

The effectiveness of stickers as positive reinforcers relies on their perceived value to the individual receiving them. If a child values stickers highly, they become a powerful tool for reinforcing positive behavior.