GAM learning theory explanation

• Vicarious reinforcement - initiation to begin

  • seeing others being rewarded
  • triggers a desire for the same

  Operant conditioning - maintenance

  • positive reinforcement comes from direct gain and ‘buzz’
  • negative reinforcement comes from it offering a distraction
• 2 types of reinforcement in gambling

  • partial reinforcement - some not all

  continues to gamble as they win some and the uncertainty makes it hard to stop

  • variable reinforcement - think they may win

  uncertainty of a pay out keeps people playing longer, as they think they’ll eventually win if they persist

  Classical conditioning - cue reactivity

  • expert ace secondary reinforcers associated with the buzz
  • maintains and causes relapse
• AO3

  • environmental determinism - been though many experience gambling relatively few become addicts
  • can’t explain ALL - fruit machines have short delays but sports games have long delays yet both are equally addictive
  • environmental reductionism - doesn’t explain the psychological rewards like the adrenaline and dopamine involved in the ’buzz’