Final answer:
Stickers on a sticker chart are an example of a secondary reinforcer as they gain value through association with primary reinforcers and are used to reinforce desired behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stickers on a sticker chart are an example of a secondary reinforcer. When it comes to operant conditioning, a secondary reinforcer is something that doesn’t have inherent value by itself. Rather, it acquires its value through its association with a primary reinforcer, effectively reinforcing behavior once the association is established. A primary reinforcer, on the other hand, has innate reinforcing qualities because it satisfies biological needs, such as food, water, or pleasure. Stickers on a chart do not satisfy biological needs but can be connected to them by rewarding a child with something tangible, like a toy or an ice cream trip, once a certain number of stickers is collected. These stickers serve as secondary reinforcers because they are symbols of achievement that can be traded in for a more directly rewarding experience, hence reinforcing the desired behavior.