1. Are Executive Functions Affected by Slot Machine Speed of Play? The Impact of Reel Speed on Motor Response Inhibition Are Executive Functions Affected by Slot Machine Speed of Play? The Impact of Reel Speed on Motor Response Inhibition Harris A., & Parke A. (2015) INTRODUCTION METHOD AND MATERIALS DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS Key Findings RESULTS REFERENCES ABSTRACT CONT ACT Andrew Harris University of Lincoln Email: aharris@lincoln.ac.uk Phone: 079 666 87349 Response Inhibition Go/NO Go paradigm Response Inhibition is one of the core executive functions (EFs) and is responsible for self-control and resisting impulsive actions (Diamond, 2013). The inherent risks involved in gambling emphasises the need for gambling decisions to be made both consciously and rationally, meaning structural characteristics of electronic gambling games that may promote habituated actions must be addressed. Fifty-four recreational gamblers took part in a repeated-measures experimental gambling simulation. Electronic slot machine speed of play was manipulated across 3 conditions (Fast, Medium, Slow). Response inhibition was measured by incorporating a Go/NO Go paradigm into the slot machine play. In line with predictions made, faster slot machine reel speeds produced significantly more commission errors (failure to withhold a prepotent motor response) compared to slower speeds. This supports the efficacy of slowing reel speeds in slot machine play as a gambling harm-minimisation strategy. Significantly more omission and commission errors in fast slot machine condition compared to medium and slow (p<.001) Participants did not perceive this behavioral impairment indicated by non-significant effect in self-report data. Significantly higher self-report arousal in fast condition compared to medium and slow condition (p<.001). Participants: N= 54 (29 Female), Mean Age 21.4 (4.4). (Non-Problem) Recreational Gamblers with passed 12 months experience of EGM play. Stratified Sampling Method to target 18-24 year old EGM demographic. Shows faster game play in gambling context impairs both response inhibition and attention/vigilance even after a short period of time in recreational gamblers. Slot gambling has potential to shift from rational ‘controlled’ choice to continuation through motor habit, ‘automatic’. How to prevent prepotent responses developing need to be addressed – potentially varying the position of the ‘spin’ button on EGMs to promote vigilance as well as controlled processes. Potentially wider positive implications as ‘stopping’ or ability to withhold prepotent motor responses associated with preference for lower money, higher probability bets (Verbruggen et al.,2013). Many theorists assume DM consists of an interplay between automatic and controlled processes (Kahneman, 2003). Without inhibitory control, would just be behaving reflexively to environmental cues, and slaves to habituated (conditioned) responses. Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annu Rev Psychol, 64, 135-168 Verbruggen, F., et al., (2013). Are the effects of response inhibition on gambling long- lasting? PLOS One 8 (7): e70155. Kahneman, D. (2003). A perspective on judgment and choice: Mapping bounded rationality. American Psychologist, 58, 697–720. Motivation to Gamble (+/-ve reinforcements ) Experience and Knowledge: Aware of Potential Harm ‘Vigilant’ Gambling Lose Control Gambling Related Harm What’s happening here? Gamblers start session in a state of ‘vigilant’ gambling, aware of risks, and behave in self-controlled way. Current research argues slot machine play promotes habituated prepotent responses developing, meaning gambling decisions are made unconsciously and impulsively. Hypothesised that faster speeds of play will promote significantly more failures in motor response inhibition. Go Trial No-Go Trial Procedure : Repeated-measures experimental electronic slot simulator created using Superlab® 4.5 software. Participants given 100 credits to play slot with the potential to win non- monetary prizes for credits earned to ensure motivation for play. Go/No Go task embedded into the slot simulator (see figure 1.) Slot machine operated via use of directional buttons on a standard keyboard. After initial 30 spins, 1:4 trails required withholding a motor response to ‘spin’, indicated by red arrow. Independent Variable:Independent Variable: Slot Machine Event Frequency (1.5; 3; and 4.5 seconds). Dependent Variables:Dependent Variables: Response Inhibition - % Commission and Ommision Errors on Go/No Task; Self Report Perceived Behavioral Control and Arousal (9-point MANIKIN Likert-scale). Control Measures: Counterbalanced condition order Quantity/Volume of wins/losses Near misses Ratio of No-Go stimuli following wins and losses Individual Difference (repeated-measure design) Figure 1. Schematic of slot machine simulation. Slot machine operated by selecting corresponding green arrows on keypad. Red arrows require a ‘non- response’. Figure 2. % Correct Commission and Omission Performance.