The objectives of this proposal are to test procedures using mulltidimensional scaling to clarify the nature of craving for cigarettes. Historically, craving for cigarettes has been measured by self report, usually with a single face valid instrument such as a visual analog scale with anchor points from "no craving" to "extreme craving." Embedded in this approach to craving measurement is the assumption that craving is a unidimensional construct that is either present or not, and if present, exists along a continuum of severity. However, research suggests that craving is far more complex, with psychological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects that are inadequately captured by typical single-item craving assessments. That is, the experience of craving, for cigarette smokers, is poorly understood. This proposal will induce craving in smokers, collect detailed craving assessments, and analyze the data using a multidimensional analytic approach. Specifically, this proposal will explore the following research questions.
1. Can the use of mulitdimensional scaling techniques be employed with cigarette smokers and can the data derived provide useful information about the nature of craving?
2. Is the basic nature of craving unidimensional or multidimensional? 1a. If craving is multidimensional, in how many dimensions is it properly characterized?
1b. If craving dimensions are identified, how are they best described (e.g., affective, cognitive)? |