B3: Psychological addiction

Question 1

Cognitive approach on gambling: explain cost-benefit analysis in the initiation stage

Answer 1

gamblers weigh up pros and cons of their behaviour; cost being financial loss and benefit being financial gain

Question 2

Cognitive approach on gambling: explain why gamblers maintain their behaviour

Answer 2

irrational thoughts: luck and chance (gamblers fallacy)
cognitive bias: ‘near miss bias’
illusions of control: superstitious behaviour of believing they’re expects at the game

Question 3

Cognitive approach on gambling: explain why recall bias can make a gambler relapse

Answer 3

gamblers recall wins and overestimate the benefits and forget about the loses and underestimate the loss

Question 4

Learning approach on gambling: how can classical conditioning explain the initiation of gambling

Answer 4

gamblers enjoy intense flashing lights, noise and crowds etc so the excitement and tension sensation they get become associated with gambling activity

Question 5

what is variable reinforcement?

Answer 5

a type of partial reinforcement in which only a certain amount of gamblers are rewarded

Question 6

Learning approach on gambling: explain variable reinforcement in the maintenance stage

Answer 6

if a gambler can’t be sure when they will be rewarded they keep playing

Question 7

Learning approach on gambling: explain cue activity in why someone may relapse

Answer 7

conditioned cues like adverts, flashy environments etc can make an ex gambler associate the cues with gambling and they are hard to avoid because they’re everywhere

Question 8

Learning approach on shopping: explain how vicarious reinforcement can make someone start a shopping addiction

Answer 8

if someone sees someone else receiving a reward such as enjoyment from shopping then they’d also want the same rewards

Question 9

Learning approach on shopping: explain positive reinforcement on why shoppers maintain their behaviour

Answer 9

shopping has rewarding effects and friends may also shop together and discuss purchases afterwards, gaining status

Question 10

Learning approach on shopping: why might someone with a shopping addiction relapse

Answer 10

a recovering compulsive shopper might experience negative emotions that can be relieved by shopping

cues could also be a reason (adverts, social media)

Question 11

Cognitive approach on shopping: why might someone start shopping compulsively

Answer 11

relief from freedom because there is no cost in buying because items can be returned

Question 12

Cognitive approach on shopping: why might someone maintain a shopping addiction

Answer 12

to reduce anxiety because some people use shopping to self-medicate

Question 13

Cognitive approach on shopping: why might someone relapse

Answer 13

1. effects of withdrawal
2. coping strategies