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Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task
Published on: January 9, 2016
Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Experiential Discounting Task.
Rochelle R Smits1, Jeffrey S Stein, Patrick S Johnson
1Department of Psychology, Utah State University, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology
|February 21, 2013
Summary
The Experiential Discounting Task (EDT) shows poor reliability and doesn't measure the same construct as standard delay discounting tasks. It may instead assess boredom proneness, not reward devaluation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral economics
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Delay discounting, the devaluation of delayed rewards, is typically studied using hypothetical scenarios.
- The Experiential Discounting Task (EDT) was developed to assess delay discounting with real rewards and delays in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Experiential Discounting Task (EDT).
- To compare EDT's construct validity with a standard delay discounting task.
Main Methods:
- Assessed test-retest reliability of the EDT.
- Evaluated construct validity by comparing EDT with a standard delay discounting task.
- Correlated EDT scores with boredom proneness measures.
Main Results:
- The EDT demonstrated poor test-retest reliability.
- Discounting rates from the EDT were uncorrelated with those from a standard delay discounting task.
- EDT discounting rates negatively correlated with boredom proneness.
Conclusions:
- The EDT exhibits poor reliability and does not appear to measure the same construct as traditional delay discounting tasks.
- Findings suggest the EDT may primarily assess boredom proneness rather than delay discounting.
- The correlation with boredom proneness could explain previous links between the EDT and addictive behaviors.
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