Date of Defense

6-20-2007

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Cynthia Pietras

Second Advisor

Gabriel Searcy

Third Advisor

Dr. Scott Gaynor

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to further investigate probabilistic discounting in heavy, light, and non-smokers. Participants in the three groups completed a probability discounting task in which they chose between varied amounts of hypothetical money at different probabilities. The point in which the participants switched from one options to the other, also known as the indifference point, was determined. These indifference points were fit to a hyperbolic probability discounting function to see if risk taking differed in individuals who do and do not smoke cigarettes. However, along the way the project switched and we studied difference in female and males instead of cigarette smokers. However, due to insufficient participant numbers we analyzed the data to see if risk taking differed in males and females.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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