Delay Discounting Visualization Tool

Abstract

Delay discounting is a behavioral process wherein the subjective value of a reward is discounted as a function of its delay. Rates of delay discounting are linked to myriad risky decisions. Given the robust ability to discriminate controls from clinical populations, the delay discounting literature is experiencing an exponential boom. Areas of application are diverse and widespread (e.g., addiction, obesity, gambling, environmental sustainability). While simple in nonlinear form, the delay discounting analysis remains an elusive principle to students of behavior analysis lacking requisite training in quantitative analyses. This simulation tool is intended to visually describe how manipulations of the discounting parameter (k = rate of discounting) modulate the subjective value of a delayed reward. This tool should supplement readings on the conceptual and mathematical approaches to delay discounting.