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Attribute latencies causally shape intertemporal decisions

Author

Listed:
  • Fadong Chen

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Jiehui Zheng

    (Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Lei Wang

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Ian Krajbich

    (University of California Los Angeles)

Abstract

Intertemporal choices – decisions that play out over time – pervade our life. Thus, how people make intertemporal choices is a fundamental question. Here, we investigate the role of attribute latency (the time between when people start to process different attributes) in shaping intertemporal preferences using five experiments with choices between smaller-sooner and larger-later rewards. In the first experiment, we identify attribute latencies using mouse-trajectories and find that they predict individual differences in choices, response times, and changes across time constraints. In the other four experiments we test the causal link from attribute latencies to choice, staggering the display of the attributes. This changes attribute latencies and intertemporal preferences. Displaying the amount information first makes people more patient, while displaying time information first does the opposite. These findings highlight the importance of intra-choice dynamics in shaping intertemporal choices and suggest that manipulating attribute latency may be a useful technique for nudging.

Suggested Citation

  • Fadong Chen & Jiehui Zheng & Lei Wang & Ian Krajbich, 2024. "Attribute latencies causally shape intertemporal decisions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46657-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46657-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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