Twenty‐five years of simulated demand: A bibliometric and systematic review of hypothetical drug purchase tasks
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Since its introduction by Jacobs and Bickel (1999), the hypothetical purchase task (HPT) has emerged as a frequently used methodology in behavioral economics research, particularly in studies of substance use and public health decision making. The HPT represents an approach that seeks to quantify the reinforcing value of drugs and other commodities through parametric, scalable methodology measured via self-reported consumption across escalating prices. Despite its increasing use in research settings, no comprehensive evaluation of its scientific influence has yet been undertaken. To address this gap, we conducted a two-part review of the HPT's empirical legacy. In Study 1, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of all peer-reviewed documents citing Jacobs and Bickel (1999) through mid-2025. In Study 2, we conducted a systematic review of empirical HPT studies employing operant demand analyses to assess drug consumption. We conclude with a discussion on the legacy of Jacobs and Bickel (1999), an evaluation of the present state of the field of operant behavioral economic science in addiction, and a call for critical areas of inquiry in the use of HPTs to measure drug abuse potential.
DOI: 10.1002/jeab.70105
Institutions: Institutes for Behavior Resources, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, Virginia Commonwealth University, American University, United States Department of Health and Human Services, United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Language: English
Subfield: General Decision Sciences
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G4773507762
OpenAlex ID: W7160872836