THE EFFECT OF VARIABLE DELAYS ON SELF-CONTROL

Five pigeons served as subjects in an experiment that examined the eff ects of variable as opposed to fixed delays on preference in a self-co ntrol paradigm (choice between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed reinforcers). Nonindependent concurrent variable-interval sche dules were used to measure choice. When delays to the larger, more del ayed reinforcers were variable as opposed to fixed, the subjects showe d an increased preference for that alternative (the self-control alter native). A series of regressions revealed that the hyperbolic decay mo del and incentive theory provided poor fits to the data, but a modifie d version of the generalized matching law provided an adequate fit. To gether, consistent with a general prediction made by discounting model s, the data supported the conclusion that variable delays can increase self-control. However, specific discounting models were not able to e xplain the present data well.