In this activity, students work with a simple graph from a video game style task often used in research. Two groups play the same game. One group reflects a healthy reward system. The other group reflects an anhedonic state. As the game becomes harder, the pattern of who gives up and when is revealed.

Through this activity students

• Identify the point where each group stops working for the reward
• Connect a lower quitting point to stress and a worn down reward circuit
• Discuss how similar patterns show up in academic work and daily responsibilities

Small group work followed by a shared walk through of the answer key tends to spark rich conversations.