Self-Control and Impulsiveness in Adult Humans: Comparison of Qualitatively Different Consumable Reinforcers Using a New Methodology

Abstract

Self-control can be defined as the choice of a larger, more delayed reinforcer over a smaller, less delayed reinforcer, and impulsiveness as the opposite. Previous experiments have shown that type or quality of reinforcer used affects self-control in humans. The purpose of the present series of experiments was to investigate the effects of qualitatively different reinforcers on the self-control of adult human females. Specifically, in a within-subjects design, participants made choices for two consumable-type reinforcers: food (preferred fruit juice) and video entertainment (preferred cartoon). A new methodology, designed to be similar to the self-control paradigm for delivering food, was used for the delivery of the cartoon. With the contingencies used, a significant difference in self-control for the two reinforcers was found. In addition, self-control and rating for food declined within the sessions; however, there were no declines for video reinforcers. The results are discussed with respect to satiation and habituation, and their implications for previous research findings of differences in self-control as a function of reinforcer differences.