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Nicotine Addiction: Learning Theory - Coggle Diagram
Nicotine Addiction: Learning Theory
Evaluation:
Levin et al (2010):
Support
Counter arguments:
Ethics
Low generalisability
Suggests that the effects of nicotine + reinforcement self administrates in rats
Implying that there is a similar mechanism in humans
Summary:
Rats could lick two water spouts
Triggered an intravenous dose of nicotine
No reward
Rats licked 1. significantly more, number of licks also + in 24hrs
Carter & Tiffany (1999):
Support
Counter arguments:
Meta analysis - secondary data, controls may vary, also need more data to reach a valid conclusion
Summary:
41 studies analysed into cue reactivity
Dependent smokers reacted most strongly to smoking related cues
Also increased arousal and reported strong cravings to smoke even when nicotine was not present
Shows that dependent smokers learn secondary associations between smoking related stimuli and pleasurable effects of smoking
Demonstrated cue reactivity is a thing
Smith (1998):
Support
Summary:
Ppts gave themselves aversive electric shocks whenever they engaged in any smoking related behaviour
52% abstained, 20-25% of people who continue not to smoke after giving up
Counter arguments:
Study did not use a control group
Unethical
Not a good comparison group
Treatments based on learning theory can save NHS resources
Overall:
Reductionist - explains the addictive behaviour is due to simple associations (ignoring social, cultural factors), human behaviour is complex
Deterministic - doesn't account for cognition, choice
Cue Reactivity:
The idea that a person associates specific moods, situations or environmental factors with rewarding effects and these cues can trigger a relapse.
Secondary reinforcers are cues - they produce a similar physiological and psychological response to nicotine
Operant Conditioning:
Positive reinforcement
- receive a reward when desired behaviour is performed
Negative reinforcement
- display behaviour that stops bad conditions
Punishment
- an unpleasant consequence of behaviour
Operant conditioning and smoking:
Nicotine addiction explained by positive reinforcement
Nicotine leads to dopamine production - mild euphoria
Also explained by negative reinforcement
Smokers continue smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Primary vs Secondary Reinforcement:
Primary
- innately reinforcing eg. nicotine hit
Secondary
- not reinforcing alone, but associated with the primary reinforcer eg. favourite lighter