The effect of equalization and non-equalization of inter-trial intervals over self-control behaviors of typical children

Abstract

Self-control is defined by choice behaviors of delayed consequences considered more valuable instead of choices of immediate and less valuable consequences. On the other hand, impulsivity is defined as the opposite relation defined in self-control (e.g. choice behaviors of immediate and less valuable consequences instead of delayed and more valuable consequences). A conflict is established when different consequences and delays are present, since it demands the choice of two concurrent responses. Self-control behaviors have great value in social contexts. For example, to dedicate a great time to study instead of hanging out with friends is considered a self-control behavior because it assures the delayed consequence of having "good grades". Although the reinforces are temporally distant, to develop self-control repertoire enable the access of high impact consequences (e.g. a successful career, financial stability or a healthy life style). Usually, studies that investigate self-control provide the participant the choice between the smaller magnitude and immediate consequence or bigger magnitude and delayed consequence. In order to assure experimental control, the majority of studies that investigate variables that affect self-control behavior, equalizes the inter trial intervals independently of the consequence (immediate or delayed) chosen. Thus, when the choice of the immediate consequence is made the time that refers to waiting of the consequence is added in the interval between trials. The remaining studies do not explain in the procedure whether there was or was not equalization of inter trial intervals. The preset study aims to investigate, in a single subject design, the effect of equalization and non-equalization of inter trial intervals over self-control behaviors of pre-scholar children with normal development. The population was determined based on the higher probability of children in pre-scholar period to express impulsive responses. The children will be between 3 and 4 years old. The study will be developed in six phases: one under of preliminary procedure (preference assessment) and four under general procedure [Simple Discrimination Training with (Phase 2), Reinforcement Magnitude Training with reversal (Phase 3), Delay Reinforcement Training (Phase 4) and Interval Between trials equated with reversal of equalization (Phase 5). Phase 1 aims to assess the hierarchy of participant's preferred edible items, in order to continue the next phases. Phase 2 will consist of the simple discrimination training between both cards presented simultaneously, one functioning as S+ and the other as S-. On phase three the main goal is the Delay Reinforcement Training and it will consist of 4 initial forced trials (two referring to the blue card and two referring to the yellow card. Phase 4 aims to conduct the reinforcement delay training and finally, Phase 5 will assess the participants' self-control behavior when exposed to trials under the equalization and non-equalization of inter trial intervals.