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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task

Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task

Published on: January 9, 2016

Training Tolerance to Delay Using the Escalating Interest Task.

Jillian M Rung¹, Michael E Young²

¹Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

The Psychological Record

|October 14, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Participants trained with escalating reinforcement in a video game learned to wait longer between actions. This skill persisted even after the reinforcement schedule changed, suggesting a method for training self-control.

Keywords:

Delay discounting impulsivity self-control temporal discounting tolerance to delay

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Last Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task

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Published on: January 9, 2016

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task: A Task of Attention and Impulse Control for Rodents

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Published on: August 10, 2014

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Published on: June 18, 2018

Area of Science:

Behavioral psychology
Cognitive science
Human-computer interaction

Background:

The escalating interest task (EIT) is a paradigm used to study behavior under conditions of delayed reinforcement.
Understanding how reinforcement schedules influence response latency is crucial for behavioral modification and training.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the long-term effects of time-based escalating reinforcement on response times.
To determine if exposure to such contingencies enhances self-control and tolerance for delayed rewards.

Main Methods:

Participants engaged in a first-person shooter video game modified with an escalating interest task.
Reinforcement magnitude increased with longer intervals between responses (weapon shots).
Response latencies were compared between escalating and linear reinforcement conditions.

Main Results:

Participants in the escalating reinforcement condition demonstrated significantly longer inter-response times (wait times) compared to the linear condition.
Experience with escalating reinforcement led to persistently longer wait times, even when the disincentive for quick responses was removed.

Conclusions:

Reinforcement schedules that escalate with time between responses can effectively train longer wait times and delay tolerance.
This methodology shows potential for developing self-control and managing impulsive behaviors in various contexts.