The Effects Of Working Memory On Delay Discounting

Delay discounting refers to the subjective value of the delayed reward will decrease asthe consequence becomes remote in time. The delay discount rate reflects the impulsivenessof people. The internal mechanism of delay discounting is not clear yet. Some people arguethat there is a single system which relates the impulsive decision making. While other peoplehold that there are a patient system and an impatient system. And the patient system lies in theprefrontal cortex. The interaction of the two systems determines the behavior of choice. Ourresearch found that working memory has an effect on delay discounting. Specifically, theworking memory load enhances delay discounting rate of participants. The delay discountrates of the participant in the load group are great than those in the control group. Namely, thedecision making of the participants is impulsive.