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The Psychology of Intertemporal Discounting: Why are Distant Events Valued Differently from Proximal Ones?

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Listed:
  • Dilip Soman
  • George Ainslie
  • Shane Frederick
  • Xiuping Li
  • John Lynch
  • Page Moreau
  • Andrew Mitchell
  • Daniel Read
  • Alan Sawyer
  • Yaacov Trope
  • Klaus Wertenbroch
  • Gal Zauberman

Abstract

Research in intertemporal choice has been done in a variety of contexts, yet there is a remarkable consensus that future outcomes are discounted (or undervalued) relative to immediate outcomes. In this paper, we (a) review some of the key findings in the literature, (b) critically examine and articulate implicit assumptions, (c) distinguish between intertemporal effects arising due to time preference versus those due to changes in utility as a function of time, and (d) identify issues and questions that we believe serve as avenues for future research. Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2005

Suggested Citation

  • Dilip Soman & George Ainslie & Shane Frederick & Xiuping Li & John Lynch & Page Moreau & Andrew Mitchell & Daniel Read & Alan Sawyer & Yaacov Trope & Klaus Wertenbroch & Gal Zauberman, 2005. "The Psychology of Intertemporal Discounting: Why are Distant Events Valued Differently from Proximal Ones?," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 347-360, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:mktlet:v:16:y:2005:i:3:p:347-360
    DOI: 10.1007/s11002-005-5897-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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