smoking behaviour and learning theory

Question 1

strength: RTS Carter and Tiffany

Answer 1

conducted meta analysis of 41 studies into cue reactivity, studies presented dependent, non-dependent and non-smokers with smoking related cues (ashtray, lighter), self reported cravings and heart rate measured for arousal, found that dependent smokers reacted more strongly to cues, reported higher cravings and higher heart rate, shows dependent smokers had learnt associations between smoking related stimuli and pleasurable effects of smoking, inc validity of learning theory

Question 2

weakness: environmental determinism

Answer 2

states that individual is controlled by reinforcements and associations that cause behaviour, eg if a person is rewarded for smoking behaviour by feeling of euphoria they will inevitably smoke again, neglects role of free will and choice an individual has, eg person may choose to stop smoking despite pleasurable reward due to health reasons, learning theory cannot account for this, might not be fully applied

Question 3

strength: practical applications

Answer 3

principles of theory that addiction is caused by pleasant associations has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy, this is effective in treating smoking behaviour by encouraging patient to re associate nicotine with negative feelings, such as nausea, rather than pleasure furthermore cue reactivity has led to implications for therapy such as avoiding situations where cues might be, reducing triggers to avoid cravings, important part of applied psych

Question 4

strength: economy

Answer 4

estimated cost of smoking to society is £17 billion per year, if addiction can be treated effectively this can reduce cost on NHS of treating smoking related illnesses and help people return to work, reducing cost of absence to businesses and increasing tax contributions