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

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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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The College at Brockport, State University of New York, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY, 14420, USA

    L. B. Forzano, J. L. Michels, A. L. Etopio & E. J. English

  2. Department of Psychology, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan

    M. Sorama

Authors
  1. L. B. Forzano
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  2. J. L. Michels
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  3. M. Sorama
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  4. A. L. Etopio
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  5. E. J. English
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. B. Forzano.

Appendices

Appendix A

Instructions for Participants

Juice Sessions

Please read carefully. Do not ask for additional information concerning what you are about to do. The task is to earn access to the liquid food dispenser. You may touch anything on this panel to earn access. The session will begin when one or more lights become lit and it will end when all the lights are off. To minimize interference with the equipment, please leave all metal objects (jewelry, watches, etc.) with the experimenter for the duration of the session. All other personal property (coats, books, writing utensils, etc.) should also be left with the experimenter. These materials will be returned promptly at the session's end.

Video Cartoon Sessions

Please read carefully. Do not ask for additional information concerning what you are about to do. The task is to earn access to cartoons. After you click on Start, you may click on anything on the screen to earn access. The program will notify you when the session is complete with a message "You have finished." Please exit the room at this time. To minimize interference with the equipment, please leave all metal objects (jewelry, watches, etc.) with the experimenter for the duration of the session. All other personal property (coats, books, writing utensils, etc.) should also be left with the experimenter. These materials will be returned promptly at the session's end.

Appendix B

Final Study Questionnaire

Please answer the following questions by circling a number. Notes are optional.

1. How did you feel about the overall length of the juice sessions?

Too short

Just right

Too long

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2. How did you feel about the overall length of the video cartoon sessions?

Too short

Just right

Too long

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3. How did you feel about the amount of juice you got each time the straw came out?

Not enough

Just right

More than enough

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4. How did you feel about the amount of the cartoon you got to watch each time it came on?

Not enough

Just right

More than enough

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5. How much do you like juice when you are hungry?

Not at all

Somewhat

Very Much

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6. How much do you like to watch this cartoon when you are in the mood for entertainment?

Not at all

Somewhat

Very Much

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7. Thinking about the times when the straw came out and you got MORE juice, how much more did you like that than when you got LESS juice?

No better

Somewhat

A Lot Better

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8. Thinking about the times when the cartoon came on and you got a LONG cartoon segment, how much more did you like that than when you got a SHORT cartoon segment?

No better

Somewhat

A Lot Better

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9. Thinking about the video you watched, how satisfied were you with the total amount of the episode you were able to watch?

Unsatisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied

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Forzano, L.B., Michels, J.L., Sorama, M. et al. Self-Control and Impulsiveness in Adult Humans: Comparison of Qualitatively Different Consumable Reinforcers Using a New Methodology. Psychol Rec 64, 719–730 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-014-0038-7

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