Learning theory: nicotine

Question 1

what is the explanation for nicotine addiction?

Answer 1

cue reactivity theory

Question 2

what is cue reactivity theory?

Answer 2

• behaviour as learnt through stimulus- response association
• pleasurable effect of smoking through primary reinforcer (UCS) bc its intrinsically rewarding bc of effects on brains dompamine reward system.
• any other stimulus present at same time becomes associated with pleasurable effect of other stimuli = secondary reinforcer (NS)

Question 3

how does cue reactivity theory help explain the addiction cycle?

Answer 3

• maintence-> once started, addiction becomes associated with positive feelings
• see cue for addiciton (ie scratch card) may contribute to person’s relapse as stimulis associated with positive memories of pleasure

Question 4

extra info for the learning theory

Answer 4

• neither classical or operant conditioning can fully explain initiation of addiction
• initiation can be explained by observing and imitating role models + vicarious reinforcement eg see someone win/gain pleasure either in real life or TV encourages imitation as they would expect the same rewards eg money

Question 5

what research support does this theory have?

Answer 5

• from animals
• confirms role of operant conditioning for nicotine addiction
• Levin rats study- licked 2 water spouts, licking one triggered a dose of nicotine, licking other= no reward. rats licked nicotine one more often
• nicotine must be positively rewarding, increases validity
• C- comparison flawed as cannot extrapolate as cognitions different + no free will

Question 6

what research support from humans does this theory have?

Answer 6

Carter and Tiffany
- meta-analysis of 41 studies on cue reactivity
- when presented with images of smoking related cues eg lighters smokers had increased desire/craving to smoke + increase heart rate
- shows smokers experiencing cue reactivity as stimuluses associated with positive memories of pleasure
- increases reliability

Question 7

what practical applications does this theory have?

Answer 7

• aversion therapy uses counterconditioning to treat nicotine addiction by associating pleasant effects of smoking with averisve stimulus
• research found this effective
• counter conditioning short term effective treatment, improving health, save NHS money + save lives