Cognitive theory as applied to gambling, including reference to cognitive bias
Cognitive theory explains gambling addiction through faulty thinking patterns called cognitive biases. These biases cause gamblers to misread chance and believe they can control or predict random outcomes.
Real World
A regular lottery player who always picks their own numbers believes this 'strategy' gives them better odds than a random quick-pick, even though both have identical probabilities — this illusion of control keeps them buying tickets weekly.
Exam Focus
Name specific cognitive biases (e.g. illusion of control, gambler's fallacy) — the mark scheme rewards precise terminology over vague references to 'faulty thinking'.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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