Positive reinforcement is one of the concepts of behaviorism. It is rewarding or giving something nice after an act thereby making this individual repeat the act. B. F. Skinner explained this point by demonstrating that rewards can be used to shape actions. A classroom can be considered an example of positive reinforcement. When a student gets something out right and the teacher compliments him/her or even gives the student a token to him/her, then the student feels good. The student will, therefore, tend to attempt to respond again in future due to this. In the long-run, the praise or reward contributes to the development of confidence and promotes learning. There is also positive reinforcement at home.

As an illustration, when a child cleans a room and a parent provides him/her with an additional play time or a little treat, the child gets to know that cleaning brings good things. That is why there is a greater likelihood that the child will continue to do the same thing. Reinforcement should however be used sparingly. Excess reward can cause one to become dependent on it rather than appreciate the task being done. Nevertheless, reinforcement that is positive is a good means of controlling behavior in most contexts.