Self‐control in Adult Humans: Variation in Positive Reinforcer Amount and Delay

Abstract

In five experiments, choice responding of female human adults was examined, as a function of variations in reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay. Experiment 1 used a discrete-trials procedure, and Experiments 2, 3, 4, and 5 used a concurrent variable-interval variable-interval schedule. Reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay were varied both separately and together. In contrast to results previously reported with pigeons, the subjects in the present experiments usually chose the larger reinforcers even when those reinforcers were delayed. Together, the results from all the experiments suggest that the subjects followed a maximization strategy in choosing reinforcers. Such behavior makes it easy to observe self-control and difficult to observe impulsiveness in traditional laboratory experiments that use adult human subjects.

Self‐control: Teaching Tolerance for Delay in Impulsive Children

“…The adults consistently chose the larger, more delayed reinforcer rather than distributing choices by following a matching strategy. In the Logue et al (1986) study, responding appeared to be controlled more by the reinforcer amount than by delay.…”

“…The adult subjects 100 - . in the Logue et al (1986) study, who frequently selected the large reinforcer, worked for points exchangeable for money that could not be spent until a session was over. In contrast, the children in the present study received their rewards immediately following each trial.…”

“…Additionally, the difference between adults' and children's verbal skills may have a powerful influence. Logue et al (1986) suggested that verbal ability may partially account for the differences obtained between research with humans and nonhumans. We also assume that arithmetic skill plays a role, enabling adults more competent in calculating to estimate cost-benefit probabilities.…”

A Procedure to Teach Self‐control to Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…erance to delayed reinforcers than individuals with less extensive verbal skills, leading some to suggest that developed verbal abilities may be a prerequisite for self-control (Logue et al, 1986). Yet few studies to date have examined whether children who display impulsive behavior can be taught self-control and if verbal skills actually play a role in this type of choice making.…”

Rats show preference for delayed rewards on the radial maze

“…In contrast, when human subjects are tested with the basic self-control paradigm, they show self-control by preferring the large delayed reward over the small immediate reward (King & Logue, 1987;Logue, Peña-Correal, Rodriguez, & Kabela, 1986). However, most of the research on humans has been conducted with monetary or token rewards.…”