Learning Theory In Gambling Flashcards
Weakness: environmental determinism
States that an individual is controlled by reinforcements that cause gambling behaviour such as rewarded by feeling of euphoria or occasional wins, gamble again to gain same reward, neglects role of free will and choice individuals have, person may choose not to gamble despite the buzz because they are aware of potential financial losses learning theory cannot account for this so may not be fully applied
Strength: RTS Parke and Griffiths
Found gamblers become addicted to the rewards provided by gambling such as the money thrill excitement and near misses as they are reinforcing as it raises hope for future to success, this supports idea of positive rewards and vicarious reinforcement making gambling highly addictive due to unpredictability of winning and the associated excitement, inc validity of learning theory as applied to gambling
Strength: Practical applications
Principles of the theory that addiction is caused by pleasant associations between gambling and excitement has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy where gambling is reassociated with a negative stimulus (electric shocks ) rather than feeling of pleasure and excitement , making it an important part of applied psychology increasing credibility of learning theory
