An iterative method for automatic discounting rate computation is introduced in this paper. As part of a conjunctive combination of sources, discounting reduces the impact of a source on the result of the fusion. The key problems related to discounting are: what sources must be discounted and up to what degree. We propose a method that jointly tackles these two issues by computing rates using a...

BACKGROUND This study investigated the relationships between psychopathy and impulsive and risky decision making, by utilizing intertemporal and probabilistic choices for both gain and loss, in addition to the Iowa gambling task. METHODS The Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised - a 154-item measure that assesses psychopathic traits by self-report - was used with a 4-point response scale...

This paper reexamines the time consistency of discount functions as analyzed by Strotz (1956) and Koopmans (1960). Following on an observation by Heal (1998) regarding the time consistency of logarithmic discounting, I fully characterize the class of time consistent—but not necessarily autonomous—discount functions. I use my findings to explain an apparent “paradox” in the use of the gamma disc...

We model the evolution of plant mating systems under the joint effects of pollen discounting and pollen limitation, using a dynamic model of inbreeding depression, allowing for partial purging of recessive lethal mutations by selfing. Stable mixed mating systems occur for a wide range of parameter values with pollen discounting alone. However, when typical levels of pollen limitation are combin...

Humans discount larger delayed rewards less steeply than smaller rewards, whereas no such magnitude effect has been observed in rats (and pigeons). It remains possible that rats' discounting is sensitive to differences in the quality of the delayed reinforcer even though it is not sensitive to amount. To evaluate this possibility, Experiment 1 examined discounting of qualitatively different foo...

The seemingly irrational behavior exhibited by individuals with addiction may be understood by considering their temporal horizon. In this paper, we reviewed published literature and current research concerning how delay discounting, a measure of temporal horizon, has been employed to understand addiction. Specifically, studies of delay discounting among addicted individuals and other psychiatr...

We present an asymptotically valid analysis of a simple optimal growth model with hyperbolic discounting. We use the implicit function theorem for Banach spaces to show that for small deviations from exponential discounting there is a unique solution near the exponential discounting solution in the Banach space of consumption functions with bounded derivatives. The proof is constructive and pro...