Explanations For Nicotine Addiction - Learning theory

Question 1

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

Answer 1

RTS - meta analysis - dependent smokers
Weakness - env determinism - controlled by reinforcements + ass
Strength - prac apps - aversion therapy

Question 2

P
(RTS - meta analysis - dependent smokers)

Answer 2

RTS cue reactivity as a part of l.t was conducted by a researcher who did a meta analysis of over 40 studies

Question 3

E

Answer 3

• they presented smoking related cues e.g. ashtrays to dependent, non - dependent and non smokers
• self reported cravings and heart rate was measured

Question 4

E

Answer 4

it was found that dependent smokers reacted most strongly to the cues as they had inc hr and reported cravings to smoke

Question 5

L

Answer 5

therefore this supports cue reactivity as an exp for smoking bhv bc the dependent smokers had learned secondary ass bw smoking related stimuli and pleasurable effects of smoking

Question 6

P
(env determinism - controlled by reinforcements and ass)

Answer 6

However, lt of add is criticised for env determinism

Question 6

L

Answer 6

therefore lt may not be a full exp of smoking bhv as it cannot account for this

Question 6

E

Answer 6

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

Question 6

E

Answer 6

• this is bc it suggests an indv is controlled by reinforcements and ass that cause smoking bhv
• e.g. when indv smokes and is rewarded by pleasure, they will repeat smoking bhv to receive the same reward

Question 6

P
(prac apps - aversion therapy)

Answer 6

However the lt of nic add being deterministic could be seen as a strength by having prac apps bc if theres a cause for bhv, treatment can be developed

Question 6

E

Answer 6

this is bc the POT that add is caused by unpleasant ass through cue reactivity has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy

Question 7

E

Answer 7

this is effectively works in treating nic add by encouraging patient to reassociate nic with neg feelings e.g. nausea rather than pleasure

Question 7

L

Answer 7

• therefore lt of nic add i.a.i.p.o.a.p as it helps to treat nic add in real world
• benefits economy if nic add can be treated effectively, reducing cost to NHS treating smoking related illnesses, therefore helping ppl return to work to contribute towards tax