Visual attention and time preference reversals

Abstract Time preference reversal refers to systematic inconsistencies between preferences and bids for intertemporal options. From the two eye-tracking studies (N1 = 60, N2 110), we examined underlying mechanisms of time reversal. We replicated effect in which individuals facing a pair options choose smaller-sooner option but assign higher value larger-later one. Results revealed that mean fixation duration proportion gaze on outcome attribute varied across choice bid tasks. In addition, reversals correlated with individual differences maximizing tendencies. Findings support contingent weighting hypothesis strategy compatibility allow improved theoretical understanding potential processes involved reversals.