Explanations for Gambling: Learning Theory

What are all the elements of learning theory for gambling?

• Vicarious reinforcement

• Positive and negative reinforcement

• Partial reinforcement

• Variable reinforcement

• Cue reactivity

How does vicarious reinforcement cause gambling?

Seeing other’s success triggers a desire to gamble.

How does positive and negative reinforcement cause gambling?

• Positive - pleasure and excitements

• Negative - escape from reality

What is partial reinforcement?

Behaviour is only reinforced some of the time which leads to greater persistence as continuous leads to extinction once rewards stop.

What is variable reinforcement?

When behaviour is reinforced in an unpredictable pattern which leads to the most persistent behaviour. It takes longer to learn but is much more resistant to extinction. Explains why gamblers can continue despite no pay out.

How does cue reactivity explain gambling?

Cues/stimuli they associate with gambling like colours of betting shops/casinos and the sounds of the machines excite arousal and cravings. Can also explain relapse.

Strengths

• Research support for positive reinforcement - Dickerson observed people in a betting shop and found that the most frequent gamblers placed bets at the last minute suggesting the build up is exciting and they want to prolong it.

• Explains relapse and difficulty stopping - conditioning is automatic process mostly out of out control, and cue reactivity and vicarious reinforcement can explain relapse despite trying to stop

Limitations

• Limited explanation - explains gambling where there is no delay between bet and reward but does not explain gambling where there is a time gap as conditioning is less effective here.