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Published on: May 14, 2014
Self-control: an application of the generalized matching law
Abstract:
Predictions about impulsive and self-controlled choices were tested in an ABAB design with five mentally retarded children. Choices were between small immediate or large delayed reinforcers under two conditions. In free-choice conditions subjects worked immediately on chosen tasks; in commitment conditions there was a 24-hour delay between choosing and commencing work. Generally, more impulse choices occurred under free-choice conditions, as predicted by the generalized matching law.
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