Impulsivity and Delay Discounting Measures Among Smokers and Non-Smokers

The purpose of the current study is to measure whether delay discounting and impulsivity will differentiate between smokers and non-smokers. It is important to extend upon previous research to understand the effects of antecedent control of delay discounting and impulsivity. Research on this subject is important in developing effective interventions for impulsive behavior like smoking cigarettes. Two surveys were provided to participants: The Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ-27) and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11). An unpaired t test was used to interpret results. Neither the MCQ-11 nor the BIS-11 had a significant difference. Further analysis was conducted comparing age differences using unpaired and paired t tests. There was significant data to support that self-ratings of impulsive behavior differed with age comparisons in the BIS-11. Smokers (ages 26-28) were more impulsive than non-smokers (ages 22-28), and smokers (ages 20-29) showed no statistical significance when compared to smokers (ages 52-68). The MCQ-27 did not show a significant difference in overt impulsive behavior.