Delay Discounting
Across 22 interactive trials, participants choose between smaller‑sooner and larger‑later rewards; the choice pattern estimates discount rate k and behavior metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What does k represent?
k is the hyperbolic discount rate: higher k indicates stronger preference for immediate rewards and steeper discounting of delayed rewards.
What can I export?
Both JSON and CSV exports include metrics (SS proportion, kUpper, kLower, kEstimate, Mean RT) and all trial records for further analysis.
What does this have to do with everyday phone use?
Immediate rewards feel much larger than future ones — which is why '20 minutes of scrolling now' keeps beating '20 minutes of reading later.' Pre-committing, for example 'screens only from 7:30 to 8:30 pm,' moves the decision away from the moment of temptation.
Show Details
Across 22 interactive trials, participants choose between smaller‑sooner and larger‑later rewards; the choice pattern estimates discount rate k and behavior metrics.
About
Delay Discounting quantifies how delayed rewards are discounted. We use the hyperbolic model V = A / (1 + kD) to estimate k from 22 interactive smaller‑sooner vs larger‑later choices.
Design
Interactive trials pairing an immediate (0 days) option vs a delayed larger reward; each record stores the full choice data of the trial.
Metrics
We report SS proportion, kUpper/kLower and their average kEstimate, kMean, and Mean RT, all derived from the interactive trials.
References
- Rachlin, H., Raineri, A., & Cross, D. (1991). Subjective probability and delay. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 55(2), 233-244. 10.1901/jeab.1991.55-233
- Mazur, J. E. (1987). An adjusting procedure for studying delayed reinforcement. In M. L. Commons, J. E. Mazur, J. A. Nevin, & H. Rachlin (Eds.), Quantitative analyses of behavior: Vol. 5. The effect of delay and of intervening events on reinforcement value (pp. 55-73). Erlbaum.
- Kirby, K. N., Petry, N. M., & Bickel, W. K. (1999). Heroin addicts have higher discount rates for delayed rewards than non-drug-using controls. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 128(1), 78-87. 10.1037/0096-3445.128.1.78
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About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
