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Rachlin and Green (1972) proposed a model which analyzed self control as a reversal of preference for two reward values in time_ The present study investigated the utility of the model in the investigation of self-control in children. Two boys (ages 9-10) were exposed to a chain of events in which a left alternative (initial link) lead to a choice (terminal link) between a small, immediate reward (2 tokens) or a lar!!e. de laved reward (4 tokens delaved 4 sec). Equal preference was found for both left and right alternatives although once the left alternative had been selected, the immediate reward was chosen on a large percentage of the trials. However, as these choices were moved further into time, preference for the left alternative increased and the children chose the immediate reward almost exclusively. In addition, subjects spent a greater percentage of their daily tokens as time to the choice point increased. These results do not replicate Rachlin and Green's findings with pigeons. However, the subjects did show a reversal of preference as time to the choice point was manipulated, suggesting the model's utility in the investigation of self-control with humans.

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