Learning theory as an explanation of addiction

Question 1

What is Learning Theory?

Answer 1

Learning theory is an explanation that believes behaviour is learned through associations and experiences.

Question 2

Three forms of Learning Theory

Answer 2

Classical conditioning- Learning through association

Operant conditioning – Learning through reinforcement

Social learning theory- Learning through observing others

Question 3

What is the Social learning theory?

Answer 3

This is learning as a result of observing others, especially those we consider role models and modelling our behaviour on theirs. Role models may include a parent or a celebrity. We can learn addictive behaviours from observing a role models addictive behaviour and imitating it. For example a child may try to copy a parent that smokes by pretending to smoke things like a pen or pencil. When they get older they may be more
likely to try it .