Individual Differences in Delay Discounting

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02175.x
• Publication Date: 2008-10-10T14:55:22Z
• Authors: Noah A. Shamosh; Colin G. DeYoung; Adam E. Green; Deidre L. Reis; Matthew R. Johnson; Andrew R.A. Conway; Randall W. Engle; Todd S. Braver; Jeremy R. Gray
• Keywords: Delay Discounting

Lower delay discounting (better self-control) is linked to higher intelligence, but the basis of this relation uncertain. To investigate potential role working memory (WM) processes, we assessed discounting, intelligence (g), WM (span tasks, 3-back task), and WM-related neural activity (using functional magnetic resonance imaging) in 103 healthy adults. Delay was negatively correlated with g WM. explained no variance beyond that by g, which suggests processes through relates are shared g. left anterior prefrontal cortex (Brodmann's area 10) covaried r= .26, r=-.40, partially mediated between discounting. Overall, results suggest associated part because instantiated cortex, a region known support integration diverse information.