1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of $2^2$. 2. **Recall the definition of exponents:** For any number $a$ and positive integer $n$, $a^n$ means multiplying $a$ by itself $n$ times. 3. **Apply the definition:** Here, $2^2 = 2 \times 2$. 4. **Calculate the product:** $2 \times 2 = 4$. 5. **Final answer:** Therefore, $2^2 = 4$.