Chapter 20/Delay Discounting

adjusting amounts procedure

a laboratory method that allows one to estimate the discounting rate

contingency management

an evidence-based intervention that is used to help people overcome drug addiction

controlled behavior

in self-management, the behavior that is targeted for change

controlling behavior

in self-management, the self-management strategy that is used to change behavior

delay discounting

the fact that reinforcers lose value as the delay to the reinforcer increases

discounting curve

the mathematical formula that best fits a series of indifference points

impulsivity

choosing a smaller sooner reinforcer instead of a larger later reinforcer

indifference point

the time delay at which a discounted value is equal to the present value

k-value/discounting rate

the variable in a discounting formula that specifies how quickly a reinforcer loses its value

self-control

choosing a larger later reinforcer instead of a smaller sooner reinforcer

self-management

the use of behavior-change procedures to change one's own behavior

short-circuiting

the contingency providing a reinforcer or avoiding a punisher for yourself even when you don't meet the requirement