Self-control in children: Age, preference for reinforcer amount and delay, and language ability

Author(s): Forzano, L. B., Ackerman, K. T.

Journal/Book: Learn Motiv. 1996; 27: 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495. Academic Press Inc Jnl-Comp Subscriptions. 260-277.

Abstract: Choices between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed food reinforcers (a self-control paradigm) were examined in 45 boys and girls, along with their age, preference for reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay, and language ability test scores. Only the 5-year-olds showed statistically significant self-control. The 3-year-olds were indifferent, alternating between the two response alternatives. The behavior of the 7-year-olds was quite variable (similar to human adults' behavior). Only the 7-year-olds' behavior showed statistically significant preference for larger reinforcer amounts and for smaller reinforcer delays. Language ability was not related to self-control, and no gender differences were observed. These data indicate that, as children age, their behavior becomes more sensitive to reinforcer contingencies, and their self-control behavior changes (but does not monotonically increase). (%O Article AW Logue, CUNY Bernard M Baruch Coll, Sch Liberal Arts & Sci, 17 Lexington Ave A-1620, New York, NY 10010 USA

Keyword(s): FIXED-INTERVAL PERFORMANCE; CONTROL PARADIGM; ADULT HUMANS; SUPERSTITIOUS BEHAVIOR; CHOICE; IMPULSIVENESS; SENSITIVITY; FOOD; CONTINGENCIES; PERSONALITY

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