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| Emerging Research in the Behavioral Analysis of Gambling: Session II |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 4:00 PM–5:20 PM |
| Fairfax B |
| Area: EAB/CSE; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Jonah D. Martin (Southern Illinois University) |
| Discussant: Patrick M. Ghezzi (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Erroneous Beliefs of Problem Gamblers |
| W. SCOTT WOOD (Drake University), Maria Clapham (Drake University) |
| Abstract: Gambling outcomes in casino games are determined randomly, yet many gamblers talk and act as if there are betting systems, player skills and luck that can increase their likelihood of winning. It is possible, though not demonstrated, that erroneous verbal self-statements regarding gambling outcomes could function as rules of action that misdirect players in regard to the actual probabilities involved in casino games. In an attempt to assess the extent to which there are characteristic erroneous beliefs about gambling, Wood and Clapham developed the "The Drake Beliefs about Chance" scale, a 26-item questionnaire that quantifies the extent to which respondents display two categories of erroneous beliefs, an illusion of control and superstition about winning. Previous research has demonstrated that these verbal repertoires are positively correlated with several measures of gambling behavior when adult populations are randomly sampled (Wood & Clapham, 2003). The current study, also using the Drake Beliefs about Chance scale, reports the nature of these relationships within a subject population of in-treatment problem gamblers. |
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| Uncertainty of It All: Are There Reinforcing Effects from Losses in Gambling? |
| BRADY J. PHELPS (South Dakota State University) |
| Abstract: Recent neuropharmacological studies have found that as the uncertainty of a reinforcing consequence increases, extracellular dopamine levels in critical CNS systems actually increase. This points to a possible mechanism for extremely lean and unpredictable schedules of reinforcement as in the typical gambling situation actually having unexpected reinforcing consequences. A review of these studies and of an animal model of gambling will be presented. |
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| Theory and Research in Simulated Slot Machine Play |
| GINGER R. WILSON (University of Nevada, Reno), Patrick M. Ghezzi (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: This address begins with the common observation that casino slot machine play is influenced by pairs of identical symbols appearing above, below, or on the payline. The effect of almost winning or the “near-miss” appears to encourage further play. Previous research (Ghezzi, Porter, Ebbs, Wilson & Dixon, 2000; Kassinove, 2000; Wilson, Porter, & Ghezzi, 2002) has confirmed this effect. The current paper will review the research on the near-miss effect in simulated slot machine play and implications of this research on the many theories of gambling. From this analysis of the current status of the literature on the near-miss effect, recommendations for future research will be provided. |
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