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Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task
Published on: January 9, 2016
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A Computer Adaptive Measure of Delay Discounting
Vaishali Mahalingam1, Michael Palkovics2, Michal Kosinski3
11 University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Assessment
|November 26, 2016
Summary
We developed a faster, valid computer adaptive measure for delay discounting, a key factor in behaviors like substance use. This new tool efficiently assesses how people value immediate versus future rewards.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Psychometrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Delay discounting, the devaluation of future rewards, is crucial for understanding behaviors like addiction and academic achievement.
- Current methods for measuring delay discounting are lengthy and time-consuming, hindering widespread research and clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an efficient, computer-adaptive measure for delay discounting.
- To create a psychometrically sound tool that overcomes the limitations of existing delay discounting assessments.
Main Methods:
- A binary search algorithm was developed to measure delay discounting using a large international dataset (N=4,190).
- The measure's validity was assessed across six independent samples (N=1,550) against standard discounting measures, real rewards, and other psychological constructs.
Main Results:
- The new computer adaptive measure is significantly shorter than traditional questionnaires.
- It demonstrated excellent concurrent, convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity, including heightened sensitivity to smoking behavior's impact on discounting.
- The measure effectively assesses discounting across various time delays and reward magnitudes.
Conclusions:
- The developed computer adaptive measure provides an efficient and psychometrically robust method for assessing delay discounting.
- This tool has the potential to advance research and clinical practice by enabling more accessible and rapid measurement of this important behavioral construct.
