4. Learning Theory for Gambling Addiction

Question 1

what is the learning theory for gambling?

Answer 1

A behaviourist explanation based on the mechanisms of classical and operant conditioning, such as positive and negative reinforcement.

Question 2

what are the components of operant conditioning? explain them (3)

Answer 2

• Continuous reinforcement: rewarding after every desired response, does not lead to persistent behavioural change.
• Partial reinforcement: only some bets are rewarded, longer to establish but harder to extinguish.
• Vicarious reinforcement: intervals between reward are variable (i.e. slot machine will pay out one in every 25 spins.) Very difficult to extinguish.

Question 3

how does classical conditioning relate to addiction?

Answer 3

cue reactivity through bright colours, money, the sound of money etc. etc. similar to that of nicotine addiction.

Question 4

what is the main study that supports learning theory?

Answer 4

Dickerson: high frequency better are likely to bet in the last two-minutes - 2 betting offices in Bham

Question 5

what are the criticisms of learning theory? (3)

Answer 5

• Griffiths and Delfrabbo: individual differences.
• Brown: explains maintenance not initiation.
• skilled games = no app