B3 Flashcards
what is initiation for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Expectancy Theory - expectations people have about what will happen if they gamble
cost-benefit analysis
what is maintenance for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Irrational thoughts - around how luck, chance and probability work e.g. gambler’s fallacy
Cognitive biases - towards favourable outcomes i.e. a near miss rather than a loss
Illusions of control and exaggeration of ability - e.g. superstitious behaviour alters their odds
what is relapse for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Recall bias: memory is bias in re-calling wins vs losses
-Overestimation of success: another memory issue with how much has been won
what is a strength for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Practical applications: replacing cognitive bias with more rational ways of thinking
what is a strength for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Supporting evidence Griffiths (1994) - Aim: To compare thought processes of regular gamblers (30 x RGs) and non-regular gamblers (30 x NRGs)
Procedure: ‘Thinking aloud’ method in fruit machine arcade. Content analysis - rational and irrational categories. Also analysed their skill perception
Results: RGs made x 6 as many irrational verbalisations as NRGs. RGs were prone to ‘illusion of control’ and ‘personification’ of machine. RGs assessed themselves as more skillful.
Conclusions: Cognitive factors may play a significant role in maintaining gambling
what is a weakness for gambling (cognitive approach)?
Not a full explanation: Surprising there are not more addicted gamblers? Many people have irrational thoughts and distorted cognitions about gambling but don’t do it.
what is initiation for gambling (learning approach)?
what is maintenance for gambling (learning approach)?
Operant conditioning: Occasional opportunities to win money and the buzz of winning - both reward the behaviour, Some experience a big win soon after starting, and they want to repeat it, Near-misses: positively reinforcing, as they get a good feeling from almost winning!
Negative reinforcement: An escape from everyday anxiety
Partial reinforcement: Machines are programmed to pay out sometimes. This partial reinforcement can cause behaviour to continue longer than continuous reinforcement (Skiner, 1948)
Variable reinforcement: Creates the most persistent gambling behaviours. E.g. a fruit machine will pay out but not every 10th spin - this will vary. Unpredictable pattern of reinforcement
what is relapse for gambling (learning approach)?
-Cue reactivity: Conditioned cues make them start again. E.g. adverts; colourful look of lottery scratchcards; noisy and flashy environment. Hard to avoid. Continuous low-level reminders
what are two strengths for gambling (learning approach)?
Research support: Dickerson (1979) found high-frequency gamblers delayed bets to prolong the rewarding excitement they felt
Role of partial reinforcement: Horsley et al. (2012) played for longer when partial reinforcement was given, than when it was continuous
what are two weaknesses for gambling (learning approach)?
Role of individual differences: Conditioning does not occur in same way for every gambler
Lacks explanatory power: Different types of gambling may be different, and learning approach can’t explain them all (reductionist). What about cognitive approach?
what is initiation for shopping (learning approach)?
Role models and vicarious reinforcement: indirectly experiencing the rewarding effects of shopping.
Celebrities and advertisements: goods presented as bringing pleasure to the person who buys them.
Celebs are associated with a luxurious lifestyle.
Celebs that the observer can identify with are better.
what is maintenance for shopping (learning approach)?
Positive reinforcement: Fun and status
Adrenaline rush and rewards: Dopamine reward system
Negative reinforcement: Relief from unpleasant feelings
what is relapse for shopping (learning approach)?
Cues associated with shopping: Shops, ads, social media, websites etc.
-Relief from withdrawal symptoms (negative reinforcement): Relief from depression, anxiety etc.
what is a strength for shopping (learning approach)?
There is research support for advertising as a cue to shopping. Knoll & Matthes (2017) reviewed 46 studies and found that shoppers’ attitudes were more positive towards products endorsed by celebs (and they perceived a celeb as ‘someone I like’, so identification with a role model)
what is a strength for shopping (learning approach)?
Supports operant conditioning - Learning processes can explain gender differences in shopping addiction. Men and women shop for different things.
what are two weaknesses for shopping (learning approach)?
Reliance on self-report research method: Social desirability bias! So, issue is underestimated
Neglects the role of cognitive factors - e.g. the expectation that shopping would satisfy specific goals and desires
what is initiation for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Excitement and boredom might lead to initiation of shopping. Browsing doesn’t cost anything.
Relief from emotional distress
Low self-esteem
These things originate in childhood trauma
Stress might resurface this trauma
what is maintenance for shopping (cognitive approach)?
‘Mood Repair’ - only focusing on the shopping.
Reduction of anxiety (shopping → debt → avoidance/denial → shopping to feel better)
Continuation of boredom/anxiety relief
what is relapse for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Effects of withdrawal
Breakdown of coping strategies
what is a strength for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Support for early trauma: Valance et al. (1988) found compulsive shoppers reported significantly more experiences of family dysfunction in childhood. DeSarbo & Edwards (1996) linked childhood abuse and neglect with later emotional distress and compulsive shopping
what is a strength for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Link to mental disorders: Black (2007) found it’s co-morbid with several disorders e.g. 41-80% of compulsive shoppers also had an anxiety disorder.
what is a weakness for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Non-cognitive factors are also important - e.g learning! Also, some mental disorders are genetic and they may lead to shopping addiction
what is a weakness for shopping (cognitive approach)?
Cause & effect: Could it be that those who compulsively shop then develop mental disorders like depression and anxiety? Not enough research
