Explanations for Gambling Addiction: Learning Theory

Question 1

How does the Learning Theory explain gambling?

Answer 1

A behaviour subject to reinforcement which strengthens gambling tendencies.

Question 2

What are the principles of operant conditioning?

Answer 2

• If a behaviour’s positively reinforced, it’s more likely to be repeated & become more frequent.
• If behaviour’s punished, it’s less likely to be repeated.

Question 3

What do Skinner (1953) and Griffiths (2009) each say about gambling addiction?

Answer 3

• Skinner - gambling behaviour is a function of previous reinforcement (initial success - more likely behaviour will continue)
• Griffiths - may become addicted due to:
  1. physiological rewards (buzz from winning)
  2. psychological rewards (near miss buzz)
  3. social rewards (peer/mechanical praise)
  4. financial rewards (if they win)

Question 4

Why don’t losses (punishments) put gamblers off?

Answer 4

• The reward & positive reinforcement for gambling is immediate (time contiguous) so association is greater.
• Even though you can lose & receive immediate punishment, the overall negative feeling doesn’t arise until there’s been series of losses.

Question 5

What is partial reinforcement?

Answer 5

When a behaviour isn’t rewarded every time but the rewards come according to a schedule (wins follow some bets but not all)

Question 6

What is variable reinforcement?

Answer 6

A type of partial reinforcement where wins occur after an unpredictable number of bets.

Question 7

What are the 4 different schedules of partial reinforcement?

Answer 7

1. Fixed interval - after regular intervals of time
2. Variable interval - after varying and unpredictable intervals
3. Fixed ratio - after a set number of attempts
4. Variable ratio - after a varying and unpredictable number of attempts

Question 8

Which is used by slot machines?

Answer 8

Variable ratio - unpredictable so put the most amount of money in, most likely to lead to gambling addiction

Question 9

What are the 3 ways gamblers are rewarded for gambling?

Answer 9

1. Big win hypothesis - having big win early on in gambling career or prolonged winning streak - desire to repeat peak experience
2. Near miss - brief period of excitement that encourages further gambling
3. Gambling environment - lights, sounds of excitement, positive emotions associated with it