17.1.3

Learning Theory Explanation

Test yourself

Learning Theory Explanation of Smoking

Behaviours, including smoking, can be learned through observation and modelling. Akers and Lee (1996) studied smoking in adolescence.

Illustrative background for Operant conditioning Illustrative background for Operant conditioning  ?? "content

Operant conditioning

  • Behaviourists believe that new behaviours, like smoking, are learned by observing someone do the behaviour, then modelling/imitating that behaviour.
  • Operant conditioning is when behaviours are reinforced through rewards or discouraged through punishments.
Illustrative background for Positive reinforcementIllustrative background for Positive reinforcement ?? "content

Positive reinforcement

  • In this case, smoking is positively reinforced.
    • For example, teens may want to look cool and belong to a group, so are more likely to continue smoking to belong.
  • There can be other role models for smoking, such as parents and celebrities.
Illustrative background for Negative reinforcementIllustrative background for Negative reinforcement ?? "content

Negative reinforcement

  • Operant conditioning also involves the concept of negative reinforcement, which is where something undesirable is removed when an action is done.
  • In this case, the undesirable withdrawals symptoms are removed when someone smokes.
  • Smokers may also want to avoid feeling left out, feelings of stress or boredom.
Illustrative background for Cue reactivityIllustrative background for Cue reactivity ?? "content

Cue reactivity

  • Cue reactivity is when an addict is more likely to respond to addiction related activities or objects.
    • For example, an object could be a cigarette lighter or pack.
  • When a smoker sees them, it is difficult for them not to smoke.
Illustrative background for EnvironmentsIllustrative background for Environments ?? "content

Environments

  • As well, certain environments like pubs or when drinking makes it difficult for people not to smoke as they are cued.
  • These reactions could be explained by classical conditioning (where a stimulus is continually presented causing a response).
Illustrative background for Environments cont.Illustrative background for Environments cont. ?? "content

Environments cont.

  • In these environments, when the person is presented with a stimulus, the body expects to receive the nicotine, so the person will develop a craving for the nicotine.

Akers and Lee (1996)

Akers and Lee (1996) studied smoking in adolescence.

Illustrative background for Research supportIllustrative background for Research support ?? "content

Research support

  • Studies have supported the social learning theory.
    • For example, Akers and Lee (1996) examined the effect of social learning and developing a smoking habit.
Illustrative background for MethodIllustrative background for Method ?? "content

Method

  • Self-report questionnaires were given to 454 secondary school students.
  • These questionnaires measured how often they smoked as well as social learning variables.
  • Social learning variables included parental and peer attitudes to smoking, if their friends smoked and how often their friends smoked.
  • The questionnaires were given over the course of the five-year longitudinal study.
Illustrative background for ResultsIllustrative background for Results ?? "content

Results

  • There were significant positive correlations between smoking and the social learning variables.
Illustrative background for ConclusionIllustrative background for Conclusion ?? "content

Conclusion

  • Social learning variables play a role in whether or not someone starts to smoke (in adolescence).
Illustrative background for EvaluationIllustrative background for Evaluation ?? "content

Evaluation

  • As the questionnaires were self-reported, they could be unreliable.
  • It is important to note that a correlation was determined, not necessarily a causal effect.
    • The research cannot conclude that social learning variables caused the students to smoke.
Illustrative background for Evaluation cont. Illustrative background for Evaluation cont.  ?? "content

Evaluation cont.

  • Finally, different social variables could have a larger impact on an adolescent.
    • For example, peers who smoke could have a bigger influence than parents who do not smoke.
    • Another example could be the role that gender plays - perhaps one gender is more susceptible to social learning variables.
  • The study did not look into these conditions.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson