Explanations for gambling addiction: Learning theory Flashcards
Explain vicarious reinforcement for a gambling addiction
The first component of the learning theory of gambling addiction is through seeing others being rewarded for gambling
Can also be experienced through media reports of big wins e.g The National Lottery
Direct reinforcement: can be positive or negative
Positive reinforcement - comes from a direct gain (e.g winning money), and from the ‘buzz’ that accompanies a gamble is also reinforcing because it is exciting -> causing release of dopamine by the mesolimbic system which is experienced as a reward by the brain and acts to reinforce the behaviour
Negative reinforcement - Gambling can offer a distraction from aversive stimuli (e.g the anxieties of everyday life)
Partial reinforcement: more effective than continuous
Skinner’s research (rats) - continuous reinforcement schedules do not lead to persistent behaviour
Once reward stops, behaviour quickly disappears -> extinction
Partial reinforcement schedule leads to more persistent behaviour change. Only some bets are rewarded, there is an unpredictability about which gambles will pay off, which is enough to maintain gambling
Variable reinforcement: schedule is the most effective
e.g Delfabbro et al
It is a partial reinforcement schedule where the intervals between rewards are unpredictable
e.g Delfabbro et al - variable ratio schedule of positive reinforcement
Rewarding behavior is irregular, with an average of every 5th time, causing individuals to be aware of the possibility but uncertain when they will receive it, leading to addiction spiraling out of control.
Primary reinforcer of gambling
Pleasurable effect of gambling
Cue reactivity - explains how gambling is maintained or reinstated after relapse
Experienced gamblers encounter many secondary reinforcers, things they associate with the exciting arousal of gambling
e.g Atmosphere of a betting shop, colour of lottery scratch cards, TV horse racing channels can all cue the arousal that the gambler craves. These low levels reminder are difficult to avoid
These cue can both maintain gambling and cause its reinstatement after a period of abstinence
Two strengths of the learning theory as an explanation for gambling addiction
Support from research outside the lab situation
Explains why it is hard to stop gambling
EVALUATION: Support from research outside the lab situation
P - One strength of the learning theory as an explanation for gambling addiction is that there is support from research outside the lab situation
E - Dickerson discovered that high frequency bettors in betting shops were more likely than low frequency bettors to put a bet in the final two minutes prior to a race.
E - This is due to the fact that gamblers, especially dependent gamblers, find the suspense of a game thrilling regardless of the outcome
L - This provides proof that positive reinforcement plays a part in gambling outside of a lab
COUNTERPOINT TO RESEARCH
However, gambling behaviour was recorded by one observer, so there was no way to check reliability of observations (no inter observer reliability).
Therefore, observer bias was not eliminated and the findings of the study may not be valid
EVALUATION: Explains why it is hard to stop gambling
P - Another strength is that it explains why it is hard to stop gambling
E - A gambler is not even aware that they are developing an addiction to gambling since the addiction begins and ismaintained by conditioning, an automated process.
E - They are determined to give up but keep failing; their conscious wish to stop could be at odds with the conditioning processes that fuel their addiction to gambling.
L - Thus, learning theory emphasises the typical daily experiences of the majority of gambling addicts who struggle to quit.
One limitation of the learning theory in explaining gambling addiction
Cannot explain some types of gambling
EVALUATION: Learning theory cannot explain some types of gambling
P - One limitation is that the learning theory cannot explain some types of gambling
E - When there is no delay between the bet and the outcome, then the learning theory can explain gambling addiction; but, it cannot explain situations where there is a delay.
E - Conditioning should be less successful in horse racing and most sports betting because the reward (result) occurs long after the behaviour (betting)
L - Because learning theory does not offer a comprehensive explanation for all forms of gambling addiction, it is therefore limited
Support - Meyer et al
Meyer et al. (2004) compared heart rates in gambling addicts to non-problem gamblers.
They found that signs of excitement, such as heart rate, increased when the gamblers began to play betting games.
The gamblers heart rates were also significantly higher than the non-addicts.
In other words, the conditioned response was apparent in the gamblers.
General weaknesses
The learning theory, like the cognitive theory, does not take into account other factors such as genetics or biochemistry.
There could be other reasons why people develop gambling addictions, such as increased dopamine levels in the brain (neurochemistry approach).
