scholarly journals Framing attributes in similarity judgments and intertemporal choices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey R Stevens ◽  
Tyler Cully ◽  
Francine W Goh
Keyword(s):  
Time Delays ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Similarity Judgments ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

Similarity models provide an alternative approach to intertemporal choice. Instead of calculating an overall value for options, decision makers compare the similarity of option attributes and make a decision based on similarity. Similarity judgments for reward amounts and time delays depend on both the numerical difference (x2-x1) and ratio (x1/x2) of quantitative values. Changing units of these attribute values (e.g., days vs. weeks) can alter the numerical difference while maintaining the ratio. For example, framing a pair of delays in the unit of weeks (1 vs. 2) or days (7 vs. 14) both result in a ratio of 1/2. Yet the numerical difference between the delays differs depending on the unit (1 for weeks and 7 for days). Here we had participants make similarity judgments and intertemporal choices with amounts framed as dollars or cents and delays framed as days or weeks. We predicted that they units of amounts and delays would influence similarity judgments which would then influence intertemporal choices. We found that participants judged amounts framed as cents as less similar than dollars, and this resulted in more patient intertemporal choices. Additionally, they judged delays framed as weeks as more similar than days, but the framing did not influence choice. These findings suggest that the units in which amounts and delays are framed can influence their similarity judgments, which can shape intertemporal choices. These unit effects may guide stakeholders in framing aspects of intertemporal choices in different units to nudge decision makers into either more impulsive or patient choice.

scholarly journals Improving measurements of similarity judgments with machine-learning algorithms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey R Stevens ◽  
Alexis Saltzman ◽  
Tanner Rasumussen ◽  
Leen-Kiat Soh
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Random Forest ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Similarity Judgments ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

Intertemporal choices involve assessing options with different reward amounts available at different time delays. The similarity approach to intertemporal choice focuses on judging how similar amounts and delays are. Yet we do not fully understand the cognitive process of how these judgments are made. Here, we use machine-learning algorithms to predict similarity judgments to (1) investigate which algorithms best predict these judgments, (2) assess which predictors are most useful in predicting participants' judgments, and (3) determine the minimum number of judgments required to accurately predict future judgments. We applied eight algorithms to similarity judgments for reward amount and time delay made by participants in two data sets. We found that neural network, random forest, and support vector machine algorithms generated the highest out-of-sample accuracy. Though neural networks and support vector machines offer little clarity in terms of a possible process for making similarity judgments, random forest algorithms generate decision trees that can mimic the cognitive computations of human judgment-making. We also found that the numerical difference between amount values or delay values was the most important predictor of these judgments, replicating previous work. Finally, the best performing algorithms such as random forest can make highly accurate predictions of judgments with relatively small sample sizes (~15), which will help minimize the numbers of judgments required to extrapolate to new value pairs. In summary, machine-learning algorithms provide both theoretical improvements to our understanding of the cognitive computations involved in similarity judgments and intertemporal choices as well as practical improvements in designing better ways of collecting data.

scholarly journals Proceed with Caution

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Annette Zimmermann ◽  
Chad Lee-Stronach
Keyword(s):  
Procedural Justice ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Structural Injustice ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Similarity Judgments

Abstract It is becoming more common that the decision-makers in private and public institutions are predictive algorithmic systems, not humans. This article argues that relying on algorithmic systems is procedurally unjust in contexts involving background conditions of structural injustice. Under such nonideal conditions, algorithmic systems, if left to their own devices, cannot meet a necessary condition of procedural justice, because they fail to provide a sufficiently nuanced model of which cases count as relevantly similar. Resolving this problem requires deliberative capacities uniquely available to human agents. After exploring the limitations of existing formal algorithmic fairness strategies, the article argues that procedural justice requires that human agents relying wholly or in part on algorithmic systems proceed with caution: by avoiding doxastic negligence about algorithmic outputs, by exercising deliberative capacities when making similarity judgments, and by suspending belief and gathering additional information in light of higher-order uncertainty.

scholarly journals A case of misalignment: the perspectives of local and national decision-makers on the implementation of psychological treatment by telephone in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Service

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Rushton ◽  
Claire Fraser ◽  
Judith Gellatly ◽  
Helen Brooks ◽  
Peter Bower ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Normalisation Process Theory ◽  
Access To Treatment

Abstract Background Psychological treatment delivered by telephone is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and forms a key part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) programme in the UK. Despite evidence of clinical effectiveness, patient engagement is often not maintained and psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) report lacking confidence and training to deliver treatment by telephone. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of professional decision makers (both local and national) on the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of telephone treatment in IAPT. Methods Sixteen semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews and one focus group were carried out with decision makers (n = 21) who were involved locally and nationally in policy, practice and research. The interviews and focus group were coded thematically, and then mapped onto the four core constructs of Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). Results The use of telephone for psychological treatment was universally recognised amongst participants as beneficial for improving patient choice and access to treatment. However, at service level, motives for the implementation of telephone treatments are often misaligned with national objectives. Pressure to meet performance targets has become a key driver for the use of telephone treatment, with promises of increased efficiency and cost savings. These service-focussed objectives challenge the integration of telephone treatments, and PWP acceptance of telephone treatments as non-inferior to face-to-face. Ambivalence among a workforce often lacking the confidence to deliver telephone treatments leads to reluctance among PWPs to ‘sell’ treatments to a patient population who are not generally expecting treatment in this form. Conclusions Perceptions of a need to ‘sell’ telephone treatment in IAPT persist from top-level decision makers down to frontline practitioners, despite their conflicting motives for the use of telephone. The need for advocacy to highlight the clinical benefit of telephone treatment, along with adequate workforce support and guidance on best practice for implementation is critical to the ongoing success and sustainability of telephone treatment in primary care mental health programmes.

scholarly journals Pediatric-Specific End-of-Life Care Quality Measures: An Unmet Need of a Vulnerable Population

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. e874-e880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E. Johnston ◽  
Abby R. Rosenberg ◽  
Arif H. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Quality Measures ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Hospital Death ◽  
Life Care ◽  
High Quality ◽  
National Quality

We must ensure that the 20,000 US children (age 0 to 19 years) who die as a result of serious illness annually receive high-quality end-of-life care. Ensuring high-quality end-of-life care requires recognition that pediatric end-of-life care is conceptually and operationally different than that for adults. For example, in-hospital adult death is considered an outcome to be avoided, whereas many pediatric families may prefer hospital death. Because pediatric deaths are comparatively rare, not all centers offer pediatric-focused palliative care and hospice services. The unique psychosocial issues facing families who are losing a child include challenges for parent decision makers and young siblings. Furthermore, the focus on advance directive documentation in adult care may be less relevant in pediatrics because parental decision makers are available. Health care quality measures provide a framework for tracking the care provided and aid in agency and provider accountability, reimbursement, and educated patient choice for location of care. The National Quality Forum, Joint Commission, and other groups have developed several end-of-life measures. However, none of the current quality measures focus on the unique needs of dying pediatric patients and their caregivers. To evolve the existing infrastructure to better measure and report quality pediatric end-of-life care, we propose two changes. First, we outline how existing adult quality measures may be modified to better address pediatric end-of-life care. Second, we suggest the formation of a pediatric quality measure end-of-life task force. These are the next steps to evolving end-of-life quality measures to better fit the needs of seriously ill children.

scholarly journals Poverty and Economic Decision-Making: Evidence from Changes in Financial Resources at Payday

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro S. Carvalho ◽  
Stephan Meier ◽  
Stephanie W. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Economic Decision Making ◽  
Choice Tasks ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

We study the effect of financial resources on decision-making. Low-income US households are randomly assigned to receive an online survey before or after payday. The survey collects measures of cognitive function and administers risk and intertemporal choice tasks. The study design generates variation in cash, checking and savings balances, and expenditures. Before-payday participants behave as if they are more present-biased when making intertemporal choices about monetary rewards but not when making intertemporal choices about nonmonetary real-effort tasks. Nor do we find before-after differences in risk-taking, the quality of decision-making, the performance in cognitive function tasks, or in heuristic judgments. (JEL C83, D14, D81, D91, I32)

AN ALGORITHMIC APPROACH TO PREFERENCE REPRESENTATION

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (supp02) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. YÁÑEZ ◽  
J. MONTERO ◽  
D. GÓMEZ
Keyword(s):  
Decision Makers ◽  
Dimension Theory ◽  
Preference Structure ◽  
General Representation ◽  
Algorithmic Approach ◽  
Strong Assumption ◽  
Preference Representation ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Order Sets ◽  
The One

In a previous paper, the authors proposed an alternative approach to classical dimension theory, based upon a general representation of strict preferences not being restricted to partial order sets. Without any relevant restriction, the proposed approach was conceived as a potential powerful tool for decision making problems where basic information has been modeled by means of valued binary preference relations. In fact, assuming that each decision maker is able to consistently manage intensity values for preferences is a strong assumption even when there are few alternatives being involved (if the number of alternatives is large, the same criticism applies to crisp preferences). Any representation tool, as the one proposed by the authors, will in principle play a key role in order to help decision makers to understand their preference structure. In this paper we introduce an alternative approach in order to avoid certain complexity issues of the initial proposal, allowing a close representation easier to be obtained in practice.

Common Neural Correlates of Intertemporal Choices and Intelligence in Adolescents

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Ripke ◽  
Thomas Hübner ◽  
Eva Mennigen ◽  
Kathrin U. Müller ◽  
Shu-Chen Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Temporal Discounting ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Bold Response ◽  
Decision Network ◽  
A Value ◽  
Bold Responses ◽  
Choice Consistency ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

Converging behavioral evidence indicates that temporal discounting, measured by intertemporal choice tasks, is inversely related to intelligence. At the neural level, the parieto-frontal network is pivotal for complex, higher-order cognitive processes. Relatedly, underrecruitment of the pFC during a working memory task has been found to be associated with steeper temporal discounting. Furthermore, this network has also been shown to be related to the consistency of intertemporal choices. Here we report an fMRI study that directly investigated the association of neural correlates of intertemporal choice behavior with intelligence in an adolescent sample (n = 206; age 13.7–15.5 years). After identifying brain regions where the BOLD response during intertemporal choice was correlated with individual differences in intelligence, we further tested whether BOLD responses in these areas would mediate the associations between intelligence, the discounting rate, and choice consistency. We found positive correlations between BOLD response in a value-independent decision network (i.e., dorsolateral pFC, precuneus, and occipital areas) and intelligence. Furthermore, BOLD response in a value-dependent decision network (i.e., perigenual ACC, inferior frontal gyrus, ventromedial pFC, ventral striatum) was positively correlated with intelligence. The mediation analysis revealed that BOLD responses in the value-independent network mediated the association between intelligence and choice consistency, whereas BOLD responses in the value-dependent network mediated the association between intelligence and the discounting rate. In summary, our findings provide evidence for common neural correlates of intertemporal choice and intelligence, possibly linked by valuation as well as executive functions.

scholarly journals Intertemporal choice reflects value comparison rather than self-control: insights from confidence judgments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Bulley ◽  
Karolina Maria Lempert ◽  
Colin Conwell ◽  
Muireann Irish
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Confidence Judgments ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Subjective Value ◽  
The Right ◽  
Intertemporal Decisions ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

Intertemporal decision-making has long been assumed to measure self-control, with prominent theories treating choices of smaller, sooner rewards as failed attempts to override immediate temptation. If this view is correct, people should be more confident in their intertemporal decisions when they “successfully” delay gratification than when they do not. In two pre- registered experiments with built-in replication, adult participants (n=117) made monetary intertemporal choices and rated their confidence in having made the right decisions. Contrary to assumptions of the self-control account, confidence was not higher when participants chose delayed rewards. Rather, participants were more confident in their decisions when possible rewards were further apart in time-discounted subjective value, closer to the present, and larger in magnitude. Demonstrating metacognitive insight, participants were more confident in decisions that better aligned with their independent valuation of possible rewards. Decisions made with less confidence were more prone to changes-of-mind and more susceptible to a patience-enhancing manipulation. Together, our results establish that confidence in intertemporal choice tracks uncertainty in estimating and comparing the value of possible rewards – just as it does in decisions unrelated to self-control. Our findings challenge self- control views and instead cast intertemporal choice as a form of value-based decision-making about future possibilities.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF NUMERACY AND IMPULSIVITY IN INTERTEMPORAL CHOICE AND DECISION MAKING

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 254-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuqing Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Choice Preference ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Intertemporal Choices

A growing body of research has indicated a relationship between numeracy and decision making and that lower numerate people display more disadvantageous decisions. In the domain of intertemporal choice, researchers have long been using impulsivity to address choice preference. To further illuminate the psychological mechanisms of making intertemporal choices, the present study examined the role of impulsivity and numeracy in intertemporal choice, in the presence of each other. The study adopted both subjective and numeracy scales. These scales correlated with each other and with intertemporal choice preference. Moreover, it was found that after controlling for impulsivity, the object numeracy was significantly associated with choice preference, with higher numerate participants showing a stronger preference toward the later larger gains over the sooner smaller gains. Thus, the study indicated that intertemporal choice preference could be attributed to both impulsivity and numeracy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document