Is the evidence for hyperbolic discounting in humans just an experimental artifact?

Harrison, G.W.; Lau, M.I.

Abstract

We question the behavioral premise underlying Ainslie's claims about hyperbolic discounting theory. The alleged evidence for humans can be easily explained as an artefact of experimental procedures that do not control for the credibility of payment over different time horizons. In appropriately controlled and financially motivated settings, human behavior is consistent with conventional exponential preferences.

Citation

Harrison, G., & Lau, M. (2005). Is the evidence for hyperbolic discounting in humans just an experimental artifact?. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 28(5), 657-657. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x05290118

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Nov 1, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 22, 2010
• Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences
• Print ISSN: 0140-525X
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-1825
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 657-657
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x05290118
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1627637