Poker‐machine gambling: An analysis of within session characteristics

摘要: The aim of this study was to examine the nature poker-machine gambling (the Australian equivalent British fruit machines and American slot-machines) in an ecologically valid setting. Eighteen regular 21 occasional players were observed, using a methodology that allowed simultaneous recording machine events, behaviour cognitions. results supported previous research by Dickerson et al. (1991, 1992) showing responses are sensitive events. Larger wins found disrupt response rates giving rise larger post-reinforcement pauses, whereas maintained small rewards. In addition, showed beliefs more consistent than those players. Regular held very fixed views about profitability given machines, less likely vary their wagers (stakes), tended increase stakes when winning decrease them losing. also provided some evidence suggest may be influenced which hold schedule. implications these observations for modern operant conditioning theory discussed, along with suggestions further investigating relationship between verbal non-verbal behaviour.