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A comparison of two algorithms in computerized temporal discounting procedures.

Benjamin P Kowal1, Richard Yi, Amanda C Erisman

  • 1Center for Addiction Research, Fred and Dierk's Research Laboratories, Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. bpkowal@uams.edu

Behavioural Processes
|March 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

The Decreasing Adjustment and Double-Limit Algorithms show strong correlations in temporal discounting but differ in indifference points and discounting rates. Researchers should use caution when comparing studies using these different algorithms.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Economics
  • Decision Science
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Computerized temporal discounting procedures commonly use the Decreasing Adjustment and Double-Limit Algorithms.
  • The comparability of discounting patterns generated by these two algorithms is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the Decreasing Adjustment and Double-Limit Algorithms in temporal discounting.
  • To examine algorithm performance across different conditions, including gains/losses and magnitudes ($10, $1000).

Main Methods:

  • Twenty participants completed choices between larger later and smaller sooner rewards.
  • Each algorithm presented choice scenarios in separate experimental conditions.

Main Results:

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  • Strong correlations were observed between the two algorithms.
  • The Decreasing Adjustment Algorithm yielded lower indifference points and higher discounting rates compared to the Double-Limit Algorithm.
  • Both algorithms detected significant magnitude effects, but sign effects were less consistent.

Conclusions:

  • While generally comparable, caution is advised when directly comparing delay discounting study outcomes derived from different algorithms.
  • Individual study interpretations are likely not strongly impacted by the choice of algorithm.