Explanations For Gambling Addiction - Learning theory

Question 1

What are the two explanations for a gambling addiction?

Answer 1

Learning theory and cognitive theory

Question 2

How is a gambling addiction formed?

Answer 2

• a gambling add is formed through social learning theory
• by observing a role model being rewarded for their gambling bhv (vicarious reinforcement) such as enjoyment or financial gain
• observation can be through media e.g. hearing about someone winning big on lottery could make a person more likely to gamble to gain same reward

Question 3

How is a gambling addiction maintained?

Answer 3

• a gambling add is maintained through operant conditioning
• this is thru pos reinforcement which is the reward of winning money or excitement from gambling which causes gambling bhv to be repeated to receive same reward
• it can also be maintained through neg reinforcement where gambling distracts indv from everyday life e.g. anxiety, causing indv to continue gambling to avoid neg consequence of anx

Question 4

What is partial reinforcement?

Answer 4

• partial reinforcement is when indv is only rewarded some of the time
• which inc likelihood of indv repeating gambling bhv and developing add
• as this is unpredictable and exciting

Question 5

What are the two types of partial reinforcement?

Answer 5

• fixed rate is where bhv is reinforced a predictable amount of times e.g. machine paying out every 5 mins, this doesnt form an add
• variable reinforcement is where bhv is reinforced an unpredictable amount of times at variable intervals e.g. winning black jack on 2nd, 7th and 15th time, this leads to inc gambling bhv therefore causing an add as it is highly unpredictable and more rewarding

Question 6

What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate learning theory as an explanation of gambling addictions?

Answer 6

RTS - rewards of money, excitement and near wins
Weakness - env determinism - controlled by reinforcements
Strength - prac apps - aversion therapy