17.3.2 Learning Theory

• What does Learning Theory explain in the context of nicotine addiction?

  How behaviors are acquired
• In classical conditioning, pairing smoking with morning coffee creates an association, making the coffee a stimulus
• What is the process of operant conditioning in nicotine addiction?

  Behavior shaped by consequences
• Positive reinforcement in smoking occurs when smoking relieves stress, making individuals more likely to smoke again.
• Negative reinforcement in smoking occurs when smoking helps escape uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
• Match the reinforcement type with its process in nicotine addiction:

  Positive Reinforcement ↔️ Provides pleasure

  Negative Reinforcement ↔️ Alleviates discomfort
• Steps involved in classical conditioning for nicotine addiction

  1️⃣ Pair neutral stimuli (e.g., coffee) with smoking

  2️⃣ Stimuli become associated

  3️⃣ Stimuli trigger cravings without nicotine
• Why do smokers develop a strong urge to smoke upon tasting coffee even without nicotine?

  Classical conditioning
• The balance between positive and negative reinforcement determines the intensity of nicotine addiction.
• Observational learning from peers and family contributes to the initiation of addiction.
• Match the conditioning type with its example in nicotine addiction:

  Classical Conditioning ↔️ Pairing smoking with morning coffee

  Operant Conditioning ↔️ Smoking relieves stress
• How does smoking during breaks reinforce nicotine addiction through positive reinforcement?

  By providing satisfaction
• Negative reinforcement in nicotine addiction involves avoiding uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
• Withdrawal symptom relief from smoking is a form of negative reinforcement.
• What does Learning Theory explain regarding nicotine addiction?

  How addiction is acquired and maintained
• Classical conditioning in nicotine addiction occurs when neutral stimuli become associated with nicotine use, triggering cravings
• Operant conditioning shapes behavior through consequences, such as relief from stress or withdrawal symptoms.
• Order the conditioning types based on their process in nicotine addiction.

  1️⃣ Classical Conditioning: Association of stimuli

  2️⃣ Operant Conditioning: Behavior shaped by consequences
• What is the formula for expressing nicotine withdrawal relief in Learning Theory?

  $Relief =$$Stress_{before} - Stress_{after}$
• Nicotine withdrawal relief occurs when stress levels decrease after smoking
• How does pairing smoking with morning coffee exemplify classical conditioning in nicotine addiction?

  Coffee becomes a conditioned stimulus
• Smokers who associate coffee with nicotine develop a strong urge to smoke upon tasting coffee, even without nicotine present.
• Match the reinforcement type with its example in nicotine addiction.

  Positive Reinforcement ↔️ Smoking after a meal feels good

  Negative Reinforcement ↔️ Smoking alleviates withdrawal
• What is the formula for expressing nicotine withdrawal relief in operant conditioning terms?

  $Relief =$$Withdrawal_{before} - Withdrawal_{after}$
• Positive reinforcement in nicotine addiction occurs when smoking is associated with pleasurable outcomes like stress relief
• Smoking becomes a positive behavior in daily routines through positive reinforcement.
• How does negative reinforcement maintain nicotine addiction?

  By alleviating withdrawal symptoms
• Smoking alleviates withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability
• Observational learning in nicotine addiction involves modeling the behavior of others, such as peers or family members.
• What role does peer influence play in the initiation of nicotine addiction?

  Adolescents copy their friends
• Learning theory explanations for nicotine addiction are comprehensive, empirical, and have practical applications in CBT
• Learning theory explanations fully address biological factors such as genetics and neurochemistry in nicotine addiction.

  False
• What do the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory highlight in understanding nicotine addiction?

  Its usefulness and limitations