The learning explanation of gambling Flashcards
Gambling initiation: Modelling and reinforcement?
The learning approach suggests that one of the main factors in beginning to gamble stems from vicarious reinforcement (SLT). In other words, children imitate the apparently legitimate gambling behaviours that are shown by high status role models and peers.
If higher status role models e.g. parents, are seen to be gambling and enjoying the ‘thrill’ (and /or winning)
Gambling maintenance: Association and reinforcement?
Cue Reactivity (Carter and Tiffany 1999) claims triggers or CUES in the environment that we have learnt to associate with gambling maintain the behaviour. These triggers are referred to as Conditioned Stimulus (CS). Through CC these cues (or CS) will elicit conditioned responses (CR) even in the absence of the actual problematic gambling.
Classical conditioning?
Classical conditioning is one key area to explain the MAINTENANCE of gambling addiction
Triggers or cues in the environment are important -referred to as Conditioned Stimulus (CS).
Through CC these cues (or CS) will elicit conditioned responses ( CR) via association, even in the absence of the actual problematic gambling.
Operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning is another key area to explain the MAINTENANCE of gambling addiction.
Winning a bet or seeing the money fall out of the fruit machine acts as reinforcement to carry out the behaviour again. Additionally, the pleasurable feeling of winning a bet also acts as a reinforcement.
What are partial and variable reinforcement schedules?
In operant conditioning a behaviour may be reinforced every time (continuous reinforcement) or only some of the time (partial reinforcement)
In the case of gambling, a partial reinforcement schedule is generally used so that gambling behaviour is only rewarded on some occasions and not on all occasions. This means gamblers can become obsessed with continued play for a ‘chase the win’ and hence gambling becomes a maladaptive behaviour
The most effective type of partial reinforcement is a VARIABLE RATIO REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULE
What is fixed interval?
Fixed interval = the first response after given interval of time is reinforced. E.g. rewards may be given after every 5 minutes of play on a fruit machine
What is fixed ratio?
Fixed ratio = Every nth response may be reinforced. For example on a fruit machine every 25th play may be reinforced
What is variable interval?
Variable Interval = on average the first response after a given interval of time is reinforced, but this time interval varies e.g. could be 5 mins one day but then 25 mins!
What is variable ratio?
Variable ratio = every nth response is reinforced but the actual gap between reinforcement varies and can be quite large. E.g. consider a fruit machine that pays out 25% of the time. However, these wins may all occur in small space of time, followed by a long winless run. This is the most powerful reinforcement schedule
LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GAMBLING - Research support?
For example, Grant et al (2004) found that in a sample of problem gamblers that relapsed, over 40% claimed they did so because they missed the ‘thrill’ or ‘buzz’ of gambling.
This suggests that the positive reinforcement linked to gambling is too much to resist and adds credibility
LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GAMBLING - Alternative explanations?
For example, Blum and Comings (1996) have identified that gamblers are far more likely to possess the A1DRD2 genetic variant predisposing them to gambling.
LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GAMBLING - Refuting evidence?
For example, Robinson & Berridge (1993) point out that many people try gambling yet do not become addicted despite the rewarding experiences, cues and vicarious reinforcement. This means other factors such as genetic predispositions, dopamine levels, personality in certain individuals that must also be at work, that allow some yet not others to become full-blown gambling addicts.
LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GAMBLING - Practical applications?
For example, Cue exposure therapy involves presenting the cue to the individual and helping them control their reaction to it i.e. to develop coping strategies. In this way the response of ‘gambling’ in the presence of casino fades away or extinguishes.
LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GAMBLING - Limited explanation?
For example, operant conditioning cannot explain why people become addicted to different types of gambling ie for scratch cards have a very short time period between the behaviour and the consequence whereas sports betting has a much longer time between placing the bet and the outcome, so this must have less to do with simple operant conditioning and more to do with the perceived skill or knowledge of the individual playing
