Learning Theory

• What theory best explains initiation of gambling addiction?

  Social learning theory - vicarious reinforcement
• What type of conditioning best explains maintenance of gambling addictions?

  • operant conditioning
  • Positive reinforcement & negative reinforcement
• Describe two other types of reinforcement involved in gambling addictions?

  • Partial reinforcement -schedule makes it difficult for gamblers to quit because of uncertainity of reinforcement (e.g. winning). Less likely to stop
  • Variable reinforcement - a type of partial reinforcement with no schedule to reinforcement. Reinforced after an unpredicatble number of responses. They feel they will win if they persist