Explanations For Gambling Addiction - Learning theory

Question 1

What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate learning theory as an explanation for a gambling addiction?

Answer 1

RTS - rewards such as money, excitement and near misses
Weakness - env deterministic
Strength - prac apps - aversion therapy

Question 2

P
(RTS - rewards such as money, excitement and near misses)

Answer 2

RTS lt as an exp of gambling add comes from a researcher

Question 3

E

Answer 3

they found gamblers become addicted to the rewards provided by gambling such as money, excitement and near misses

Question 4

E

Answer 4

this is bc they are reinforcing as it raises hope for future success

Question 5

L

Answer 5

therefore this supports the idea of variable reinforcement making gambling highly add due to the unpredictability of winning and ass excitement

Question 6

P
(env deterministic - controlled by reinforcements)

Answer 6

However, the lt as an exp of gambling add can be criticised for env determinism

Question 7

E

Answer 7

• this is bc it suggests indv is controlled by reinforcements that cause gambling bhv
• e.g. if indv is rewarded by pleasure for gambling, they will gamble again to receive the same reward

Question 8

E

Answer 8

• this neglects the role of f.w and choice an indv has
• e.g. indv may choose to stop gambling due to financial reasons, despite the pleasure

Question 9

L

Answer 9

• the learning theory cannot account for this
• therefore it may not be a full exp of gambling bhv

Question 10

P
(prac apps - aversion therapy)

Answer 10

• However the lt of gambling bhv being deterministic could be seen as a strength by having prac apps
• bc if there is a cause for bhv, a treatment can be developed

Question 11

E

Answer 11

this is bc the POT that add is caused by pleasant ass bw gambling and excitement, has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy

Question 12

E

Answer 12

this is where gambling is reassociated with a neg stimulus e.g. electric shocks rather than pleasure/excitement

Question 13

L

Answer 13

• therefore the lt as an exp of gambling add i.a.i.p.o.a.p as it helps to treat gambling addictions in the real world
• benefits economy if gambling add can be treated effectively, reducing costs to society, reducing crime and homelessness, also helps ppl return to work contributing towards taxes