Self-control: an application of the generalized matching law.
Predictions about impulsive and self-controlled choices were tested in an ABAB design with five mentally retarded children. Choices were between small immediate or large delayed reinforcers under two conditions. In free-choice conditions subjects worked immediately on chosen tasks; in commitment conditions there was a 24-hour delay between choosing and commencing work. Generally, more impulse choices occurred under free-choice conditions, as predicted by the generalized matching law.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013997:Time Factors