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Temptation over time: Delays help

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  • DeJarnette, Patrick

Abstract

Does temptation decline over time? Recent studies have highlighted the importance of Pavlovian processes but less is known about how these responses change over time. In a laboratory experiment, every subject made a choice between a banana and chocolate, but a treatment group was informed in advance about the existence of the upcoming choice. These treated subjects were 28% more likely to ultimately choose a banana. Testing an alternative hypothesis of limited willpower, I find no evidence of a simple resource depletion effect using previously induced effort.

Suggested Citation

  • DeJarnette, Patrick, 2020. "Temptation over time: Delays help," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 752-761.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:177:y:2020:i:c:p:752-761
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2020.06.027
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Temptation; Waiting period; Food choice;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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