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Updated: May 21, 2026
07:47
Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task
Published on: January 9, 2016
A direct method for measuring discounting and QALYs more easily and reliably
Arthur E Attema1, Han Bleichrodt1,2, Peter P Wakker2
1iBMG/iMTA (AEA, HB) Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Summary
This study introduces a simpler, choice-based method for measuring time discounting and quality of life, avoiding biases from existing approaches. The new technique offers a more realistic and economically rational evaluation of medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Decision analysis
- Medical decision making
Background:
- Evaluating medical interventions requires understanding time discounting and quality of life.
- Current measurement methods are complicated by the interaction between these factors.
- Existing techniques often rely on heuristic assumptions or introduce extraneous biases like risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for measuring time discounting and quality of life.
- To overcome the limitations and biases of existing measurement approaches.
- To provide a simpler, more realistic, and economically rational evaluation framework.
Main Methods:
- Developed a choice-based method for assessing time discounting and quality of life.
- The method avoids extraneous factors and distorting interactions.
- An experiment was conducted to demonstrate feasibility and advantages.
Main Results:
- The new method proved feasible in an experimental setting.
- It demonstrated advantages over classical measurement methods.
- The approach is simpler and more realistic for participants.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method offers a more accurate and less biased way to measure time discounting and quality of life.
- This choice-based approach aligns with economic rationality.
- It simplifies the evaluation of medical interventions.
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