Learning theory as an explanation of nicotine addiction

Question 1

what does learning theory suggest nicotine addiction is the result of

Answer 1

the environment engaging with peers and stimuli to condition and reinforce an addiction

Question 2

how does learning theory suggest nicotine addiction is initiated

Answer 2

Vicarious reinforcement
–> people begin to smoke through observing others engage in the behaviour whos rewarded for it
- e.g social rewards (popularity etc)

Question 3

how does learning theory suggest nicotine addiction is maintained

Answer 3

Operant conditioning
–> people maintain smoking as it relieves stress (negative reinforcement)
–> people maintain smoking as they’re rewarded by peers for engaging in behaviour (positive reinforcement)

Question 4

how does learning theory suggest nicotine addiction relapse occurs

Answer 4

classical conditioning (cue reactivity)
–> it is thought when people smoke they smoke in similar environments at similar times – therefore associate environmental stimuli with smoking known as secondary reinforcers
–> after they quit smoking seeing this stimuli produces the response of starting smoking again as a matter of association

Question 5

what is a strength of learning theory as an explanation of nicotine addiction

Question 6

what is a limitation of learning theory as an explanation of nicotine addiction