ADDICTION: Ind - Cognitive Biases A03

Question 1

Cognitive Biases :)

Answer 1

Supporting Evidence:
Griffiths (verbalisations)

Joukhador et al. (Gambling Belief Questionnaire)

Question 2

Cognitive Biases :(

Answer 2

Methodological Issues (Researcher Bias / Demand Characteristics & Social Desirability)

All exhibit cognitive biases: Baboushkin et al.

Question 3

Cognitive Biases :) Griffiths

Answer 3

Compared the verbalisations of 30 regular gamblers to 30 non-regular gamblers

→ Regular gamblers showed many more irrational verbalisations than non-regular gamblers

→ Verbalisations showed evidence of the heuristics linked to gamblers

Question 4

Cognitive Biases :) Joukhador et al.

Answer 4

Developed the Gambling Belief Questionnaire

→ Covered a range of cognitive biases such as the gambler’s fallacy

• Found that across almost all the beliefs assessed, problem gamblers scored higher

Question 5

Cognitive Biases :( Methodological Issues

Answer 5

RESEARCHER BIAS: Researcher decides what bias is being shown (Griffiths)

DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS & SOCIAL DESIRABILITY: Questionnaires (GBQ) rely on gamblers being honest in their thinking processes
→ If gamblers know that their thinking is irrational, they may be reluctant to admit it

Question 6

Cognitive Biases :( All exhibit cognitive biases

Answer 6

Same cognitive biases linked to gamblers can be reported amongst non-gamblers & those who gamble but do not become addicted

Explanation why cognitive biases lead to addiction in some and not others must be given:
Babouskin et al.

Question 7

Cognitive Biases :( Baboushkin et al.

Answer 7

suggests that many heuristics are appropriate in everyday situations but not appropriate when dealing with chance events