1. Explanations for gambling addiction
learning theory as applied to gambling
including reference to partial and variable reinforcement
cognitive theory as applied to gambling including reference to cognitive bias.
Little bit
What does he think his gambling is because of.

2. Learning theory as applied to gambling
You tell me!

3. Operant conditioning Positively reinforced when we win
Not Just money but cheers and clapping. (Researchers have conjectured that winning sounds may provide a form of second-order conditioning that is reinforcing). Nicer Article.
Not winning is punishment (reducing behaviour)
Contiguity – time based. When you win the reinforcement is immediate. When you lose you go to the next game it is not immediate therefore the association is less.

4. Partial and variable reinforcement
We have come across this before.
Studied by Skinner and his rats.
From the book (410)

5. You have £1 in 10p
Fixed ratio: win every 3 you spend 90p ie XX√ XX√ XX√
Variable ratio. You may win every time (or not at all)ie √√√√√√√√√√ or XXXXXXXX√√. It is more likely you spend all your money. (no win pattern)
Fixed interval: Win every twenty seconds √ wait 20 seconds √ wait twenty seconds √ etc.
Variable interval (when ever) similar to variable ratio but over time. Ie: √ √ √ √ √ √ XXX √XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX over 20 seconds. More likely to gamble. Greater chance of winning and losing.
WHICH IS BEST?

6. The schedule for reinforcement that is best is:
Variable ratio. You may win every time (or not at all)ie √√√√√√√√√√ or XXXXXXXX√√. It is more likely you spend all your money. (no win pattern)
This encourages addiction. And is how slot machines are programmed.

7. Classical conditioning
Positive association with gambling. IE: the atmosphere is fun.
The first time you went you had a big win. Followed by reinforcement.
SLT – see the big win and the positives. Then want to emulate.
Pick a study P411.

8. Evaluation Is a good explanation with research and face validity.
Does not explain why some people become addicted and some do not even though they both may have had big wins.
Operant conditioning does not explain how one starts to gamble.
So other facts?
If you want to.

9. Cognitive theory as applied to gambling including reference to cognitive bias

10. Maladaptive thought processes
Maladaptive thought processes. Highlight the wins and downplay the lossess
See page 413 Classic research.

11. Cognitive Bias Langer identified 16 cognitive distortions.
Faulty perceptions: (focusing on “gambler’s fallacy”, which suggests that losses cannot continue forever and must inevitably be broken by a win).
Selective recall (only remembering the positives and rewards of their addiction)
Skills and judgements (particularly focusing on their irrational illusion of control)
Personal traits (believing in luck or upholding superstitious beliefs about specific betting machines or games).

12. Evaluation Self report! Cause and effect?
However, cognitive behavioural therapy works. Sometimes just showing the maladaptive thought processes against the reality can help.