Explanations to gambling addiction (learning)

Question 1

✪ What practical application supports the learning theory of gambling?

Answer 1

Development of behavioural interventions like aversion therapy

Question 2

✪ How do near misses challenge the rationality of gambling decisions?

Answer 2

They are interpreted as signs of likely success, reinforcing behaviour

Question 3

▲ Why does reinforcement make gambling behaviour more persistent?

Answer 3

Because rewards increase repetition

Question 4

▲ How does SLT differ from operant conditioning in explaining gambling?

Answer 4

SLT involves imitation of others; operant involves consequences

Question 5

▲ How does operant conditioning maintain gambling?

Answer 5

Positive and negative reinforcement strengthen the habit

Question 6

● What does SLT stand for?

Answer 6

Social learning theory

Question 7

● What is the reward in gambling addiction?

Answer 7

Winning money or a buzz

Question 8

● What is negative reinforcement in gambling?

Answer 8

Avoiding anxiety or stress through gambling

Question 9

▲ How might identification influence gambling addiction?

Answer 9

Stronger identification with the role model increases imitation

Question 10

● What is operant conditioning?

Answer 10

Learning through consequences

Question 11

✪ Why is the learning theory supported by real-life applications?

Answer 11

It has led to effective behavioural treatments

Question 12

● What theory explains gambling through observation?

Answer 12

Social learning theory

Question 13

▲ Why does unpredictability play a key role in gambling addiction?

Answer 13

It keeps the individual engaged, increasing reward anticipation

Question 14

● What does variable reinforcement increase?

Answer 14

Excitement and addiction

Question 15

● What type of reinforcement involves occasional wins?

Answer 15

Partial reinforcement

Question 16

▲ How does vicarious reinforcement increase gambling risk?

Answer 16

Seeing others win makes gambling seem rewarding

Question 17

● What type of reinforcement has no pattern?

Answer 17

Variable reinforcement

Question 18

✪ Why might deterministic explanations of gambling be seen as reductionist?

Answer 18

They simplify complex behaviour to reward responses, ignoring other factors

Question 19

● What are ‘near misses’ in gambling?

Answer 19

Losing but appearing close to a win

Question 20

● What makes behaviour more likely to be repeated?

Answer 20

Reinforcement

Question 21

● What is positive reinforcement in gambling?

Answer 21

Winning money or excitement

Question 22

✪ How does Parke and Griffiths’ research support learning theory of gambling?

Answer 22

They found rewards and ‘near misses’ reinforce gambling, supporting variable reinforcement

Question 23

✪ What are the implications of deterministic learning theories for treatment?

Answer 23

They support structured interventions targeting reinforcement

Question 24

▲ How does observing a celebrity influence gambling behaviour?

Answer 24

The observer may imitate their actions

Question 25

▲ How can gambling reduce unpleasant emotions?

Answer 25

It distracts from anxiety, acting as negative reinforcement

Question 26

▲ Why are variable rewards more addictive than fixed ones?

Answer 26

They are unpredictable and increase excitement

Question 27

✪ Why is understanding reinforcement schedules important for treatment?

Answer 27

They explain persistence and help design targeted behavioural therapy

Question 28

▲ How does SLT explain gambling initiation?

Answer 28

People observe role models being rewarded and imitate behaviour

Question 29

▲ How does negative reinforcement maintain gambling behaviour?

Answer 29

It helps avoid unpleasant emotions like anxiety

Question 30

✪ How does variable reinforcement affect gambling cessation?

Answer 30

The unpredictability makes quitting difficult

Question 31

▲ Why is gambling under variable reinforcement hard to stop?

Answer 31

Unpredictable rewards make the behaviour persistent

Question 32

✪ How has cue reactivity led to practical treatments for gambling addiction?

Answer 32

It led to aversion therapy and cue avoidance strategies to break learned associations

Question 33

▲ How does observing friends affect gambling behaviour?

Answer 33

They provide opportunity, reinforcement, and norms

Question 34

▲ Why does excitement make gambling addictive?

Answer 34

It acts as a positive reinforcer

Question 35

✪ Why might SLT be more valid than operant conditioning alone in gambling?

Answer 35

It includes social influences like role models and identification

Question 36

✪ Why is the learning theory of gambling criticised for environmental determinism?

Answer 36

It ignores free will by assuming behaviour is caused solely by external reinforcement

Question 37

● What is a fixed schedule of reinforcement?

Answer 37

Reward given after predictable attempts

Question 38

▲ How do near misses encourage continued gambling?

Answer 38

They raise hope and reinforce behaviour

Question 39

● What schedule of reinforcement leads to addiction?

Answer 39

Variable

Question 40

✪ Why does reinforcement-based explanation risk overlooking cognitive biases?

Answer 40

It doesn't address irrational beliefs, focusing only on rewards

Question 41

✪ Why is environmental determinism a limitation of the learning theory?

Answer 41

It underestimates individual control and cognitive factors

Question 42

● What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 42

Seeing someone else being rewarded

Question 43

● What is a role model in SLT?

Answer 43

Someone whose behaviour is observed and imitated

Question 44

✪ In what way is the learning theory empirically supported?

Answer 44

Research shows partial reinforcement increases persistence

Question 45

✪ How does the unpredictability of variable reinforcement sustain gambling behaviour?

Answer 45

It creates excitement and hope, reinforcing persistence