Learning theory - partial and variable reinforcement

• Forming the addiction - Social learning theory

  > A gambling addiction can form due to the experience of observing a role model being rewarded for their gambling behaviour

  > The reward could be their enjoyment in gambling or the occasional wins and financial returns they gain.

  > This observation doesn’t have to be direct it can be through the media (news, social media, films or TV).

  > For example, hearing about someone winning big on the lottery could make a person more likely to gamble to gain the same reward
• Maintaining the addiction - Operant conditioning

  > Gambling can provide positive reinforcements, the reward of winning money and the 'buzz' excitement from gambling

  > Therefore the behaviour is likely to be repeated to gain the same reward

  > Gambling can act as negative reinforcement to distract the individual from their everyday life eg. anxiety

  > Therefore, they will continue to engage in gambling behaviour to avoid the negative consequence of anxiety.
• Partial reinforcement

  > If a person is rewarded every time this becomes predictable and boring, meaning the individual is less likely to repeat the addictive behaviour and develop an addiction.

  > Partial reinforcement is when the person is rewarded only some of the time.

  > This is unpredictable and exciting and so increases the likelihood of repeating the gambling behaviour and developing an addiction
• Fixed rate

  > This is a type of partial reinforcement where behaviour is reinforced a predictable amount of times eg. a slot machine paying out every tenth time
• Variable reinforcement

  > This is a type of partial reinforcement where behaviour is reinforced an unpredictable amount of times at variable intervals

  > This highly more reinforcing as it is highly unpredictable and exciting and therefore leads to stronger more persistent gambling behaviour
• Learning theory gambling AO3

  :) RTS Parke and Griffiths

  > They found that gamblers become addicted to the rewards provided by gambling such as money, thrill and excitement and ‘near misses” are reinforcing as it raises hope for future success.

  > This supports the idea of positive and variable reinforcement making gambling highly addictive, due to the unpredictability of winning and the associated excitement.
• Learning theory Gambling AO3

  :( Environmental determinism

  > It states an individual is controlled by reinforcements that cause behaviour

  > For example if a person is rewarded for gambling by the feeling of euphoria they will gamble again for the same reward

  > Neglecting the role of free will and choice, a person may choose not to continue gambling, despite the ‘buzz’ due to being aware of the potential financial losses

  > The learning theory cannot account for this and therefore may not be a full explanation of gambling behaviour
• Learning theory Gambling AO3

  :) Practical applications

  > This is because the principles of the theory that addiction is caused by pleasant associations between gambling and excitement, has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy

  > This is where gambling is re-associated with a negative stimulus i.e. electric shocks, rather than a feeling of pleasure and excitement

  > Therefore, the learning theory as an explanation of gambling addiction is an important part of applied psychology as it helps treat gambling addictions in the real world.