Nature of Pathological Gambling and the Behavior

¶ … nature of pathological gambling and the behavior associated with it. The article begins by focusing on the necessity and relevance of behavior-analytic explorations of pathological gambling, which has not, according to the report, drawn widespread research attention up to the time of writing. One might therefore surmise that the article addresses an important component of behavior studies, since it can provide not only a deeper understanding of the compulsion being discussed, but also potential solutions for those who struggle with a gambling addiction. The study might even provide some grounds for further research into other types of addiction as well as other focus points within the gambling addiction paradigm. It therefore provides rich grounds for discussion around the focus of investigation itself as well as a wider branch of potential exploration.

The literature review is not extensive, and forms part of the introduction. General sources are consulted to explain the nature of the gambling compulsion, therapy, and behavior control sources, while two specific studies are mentioned that relate to the specific investigation that is the focus of the article. The relatively skeletal literature review correlates well with the initial claim that not much research attention has been devoted specifically to gambling, despite its growing prevalence in society. Hence, it might be assumed that the sources that could be consulted were relatively limited. Indeed, this could be regarded as one of the limitations of the study, although it also suggests that the field is rich for future and varied investigations, as mentioned. Having completed the introduction, the authors begin their discussion of the study itself, via headings such as "Method" followed by the "Results and Discussion." Both sections contain various sub-headings that more specifically discuss the various parts of the practical study, the participants, analysis methods, and results.

Five participants were chosen for the study, for whom it appears the inclusion factor was that they expressed no interest in seeking treatment for their gambling. In terms of ethics, the authors state that participants received clear explanations about the study and signed informed consent forms to be part of the study. They were also informed that they could withdraw from the study at any time during the investigation. One might assume that the limited number of participants might also limit the reliability of the study, since it could hardly be expected that five persons could represent the entire gambling community. Furthermore, there does not appear to be a specific section devoted to the wider potential of future application. While suggestions are made for specific applications to gambling and therapeutic interventions, there are no suggestions for related future studies in other forms of addiction, for example. Nevertheless, both shortcomings could be assumed to be due to a lack of extensive space and time to conduct a wider-ranging study.

Despite these perceived shortcomings, the statistics used and diagrams provided to illustrate the analyses and outcomes of the study appear mathematically and statistically sound. They provide a thorough analysis of the inputs delivered by participants. Diagrams are clearly positioned and illustrated in such a way as to illuminate the analyses and outcomes of the study without overwhelming the text. In terms of scientific analysis, therefore, the article and its presentation appears solid and relevant.