GACE Special Education Practice Exam

Satiation refers to the phenomenon where individuals become desensitized to or lose interest in a reward after receiving it repeatedly. In the context of student behavior, when a student has received numerous rewards within a short period, they may no longer respond with the same level of enthusiasm or motivation when additional rewards are offered. This can be particularly significant in educational settings, where consistent reinforcement is often used to encourage desirable behaviors.

The first option illustrates this concept effectively; as students are rewarded frequently, the value of each additional reward diminishes. They might become less motivated to engage in behaviors that were previously reinforced, as the allure of the reward has faded due to overexposure. This can lead to decreased engagement and overall productivity in the classroom.

In contrast, the other options describe situations that do not align with the concept of satiation. For instance, improved behavior with increased rewards suggests that students are motivated by more rewards rather than becoming less responsive. Similarly, expecting rewards for minimal effort suggests a dependence on rewards but not necessarily a reaction to satiation. Finally, increased interest from varied rewards may indicate a strategy to maintain engagement, rather than a direct example of satiation's effects.