Area under the curve as a measure of discounting

We describe a novel approach to the measurement of discounting based on cal culating the area under the empirical discounting function. This approach a voids some of the problems associated with measures based on estimates of t he parameters of theoretical discounting functions, The area measure may be easily calculated for both individual and group data collected using any o f a variety of current delay and probability discounting procedures. The pr esent approach is not intended as a substitute for theoretical discounting models, It is useful, however, to have a simple, univariate measure of disc ounting that is not tied to any specific theoretical framework.