Satiation
Definition
A reduction in the effectiveness of a reinforcer produced by recent or continued access to it, with a corresponding drop in behavior that has produced it. It is the usual reason a reinforcer that worked at the start of a session stops working by the end, and rotating reinforcers is the standard counter.
In plain language
Having a lot of something recently makes it worth less. A reward that worked an hour ago may not work now.
Example
After twenty small crackers, the learner no longer works for the next one.
Not satiation
A learner who has not seen a favorite toy in a week and works hard for it. That is deprivation.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- michael-1993
Written from Michael (1993). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.