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Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review

Publication ,  Journal Article
Carter, RMK; Meyer, JR; Huettel, SA
Published in: Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics
May 1, 2010

People often forsake a larger reward later for a smaller reward sooner. The process of devaluing the larger, later prize is called temporal discounting or delay discounting, which lies at the core of intertemporal choice. Here, we describe the methodology and findings of research on the mechanisms of intertemporal choice, with a focus on those that utilize functional MRI (fMRI). We consider the neural bases for the most common economic models of intertemporal choice and examine whether these models require neural processes that are common or distinct across types of decision making. Considered as a whole, current research points to potentially distinct contributions from brain systems associated with valuation and with prospective thought, which may be reflected in separable foci in posterior cingulate cortex. Based on open questions in the field, we suggest two core goals for future research: identifying aspects of valuation that are unique to intertemporal choice and evaluating direct or indirect interactions between delay and prize magnitude. © 2010 American Psychological Association.

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Published In

Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics

DOI

ISSN

1937-321X

Publication Date

May 1, 2010

Volume

3

Issue

1

Start / End Page

27 / 45

Related Subject Headings

  • 5202 Biological psychology
  • 3801 Applied economics
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 1701 Psychology
  • 1402 Applied Economics
  • 1109 Neurosciences
 

Citation

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Carter, R. M. K., Meyer, J. R., & Huettel, S. A. (2010). Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review. Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics, 3(1), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018046
Carter, R. M. K., J. R. Meyer, and S. A. Huettel. “Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review.” Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics 3, no. 1 (May 1, 2010): 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018046.
Carter RMK, Meyer JR, Huettel SA. Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review. Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics. 2010 May 1;3(1):27–45.
Carter, R. M. K., et al. “Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review.” Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics, vol. 3, no. 1, May 2010, pp. 27–45. Scopus, doi:10.1037/a0018046.
Carter RMK, Meyer JR, Huettel SA. Functional Neuroimaging of Intertemporal Choice Models: A Review. Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics. 2010 May 1;3(1):27–45.

Published In

Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics

DOI

ISSN

1937-321X

Publication Date

May 1, 2010

Volume

3

Issue

1

Start / End Page

27 / 45

Related Subject Headings

  • 5202 Biological psychology
  • 3801 Applied economics
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 1701 Psychology
  • 1402 Applied Economics
  • 1109 Neurosciences