explanations for gambling addiction: learning theory Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is reinforcement?
A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. It can be positive or negative.
What is partial reinforcement?
A behaviour is reinforced only some of the time it occurs (e.g., every tenth time or at variable intervals).
What is variable reinforcement?
A type of partial reinforcement in which a behaviour is reinforced after an unpredictable period of time or number of responses.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Seeing others being rewarded for gambling through pleasure, enjoyment, and social company, which can influence others to gamble.
What is direct positive reinforcement in gambling?
Winning money is an obvious reinforcer of continued gambling and the ‘buzz’ accompanying a gamble.
What is direct negative reinforcement in gambling?
Gambling acts as an escape from anxiety or stress, offering temporary relief.
What is continuous reinforcement?
When rewards are given for every ‘correct’ response, leading to quick learning but not persistent behaviour.
What is extinction in learning theory?
The process where a behaviour stops when reinforcement is no longer given.
What is the partial reinforcement schedule?
Reinforcement is given intermittently, which helps maintain behaviour.
What is the variable reinforcement schedule?
Rewards are given after an unpredictable number of responses, creating persistent behaviour that is resistant to extinction.
Why is variable reinforcement important in gambling?
It helps explain why gamblers persist despite losses, due to unpredictable but occasional rewards.
What is cue reactivity?
When cues associated with gambling trigger cravings and relapse in abstaining gamblers.
What are secondary reinforcers in gambling?
Stimuli that become reinforcing due to their association with gambling, like the sounds and sights of a casino.
What are examples of gambling-related cues?
TV horse-racing, scratchcards, betting shops, and internet betting sites.
What did Mark Dickerson’s research show?
High-frequency gamblers were more likely to place bets earlier, showing the role of positive reinforcement.
What is a limitation of Dickerson’s study?
Observer bias due to a single observer and lack of inter-observer reliability.
What is a limitation of learning theory?
It struggles to explain gambling where there is no delay between placing the bet and knowing the outcome.
Why does learning theory struggle to explain some gambling types?
Because the reward (outcome) comes a long time after the behaviour (betting).
How does learning theory explain the failure to stop gambling?
Because gambling becomes an automatic process and gamblers may not be aware they are learning to be addicted.
What is the ‘cycle of addiction’ in gambling?
A cycle of initiation, maintenance, cessation, and relapse.
How does learning theory explain the cycle of addiction?
Through vicarious reinforcement and the establishment of persistent gambling behaviour.
What did Alan Brown (1987) find?
Gambling addicts relapsed after abstaining, showing learning processes may explain repeated behaviour.
What is the role of reinforcement schedules in relapse?
Persistent schedules like variable reinforcement make gambling behaviour resistant to extinction.
What is the significance of low-level cues?
They remind gamblers of gambling and make relapse more likely.
