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Risk attitudes: a cross-cultural study
Bernd ROHRMANN (University of Melbourne)
= Project summary =
Problem
"Risk" is a flourishing area of social science research - but our understanding of how humans think and feel about risks is still incomplete. While risk behavior has been studied intensely in both psychological and economic terms and a large number of risk perception studies exist, far less research has been done regarding people's risk attitudes, i.e., risk propensity and risk aversion. These can be conceptualized as two poles of a one-dimensional attitude towards risk-taking but also as two separate concepts. It is widely assumed that people differ considerably in their attitude towards risks, ranging from cautiousness to risk-seeking and even pleasure in risk-taking. However, there is no convincing evidence that this presumed dimension is a general trait (rather than a state or domain-specific attitude), and the supposed influence on both risk perception and actual risk behavior is not yet well clarified. Furthermore, heterogeneous types of hazards (i.e., physical, financial, social risks) have not been covered systematically; and there is only restricted cross-validation with respect to related constructs. Finally, there is insufficient knowledge regarding cross-cultural differences - between societal sub-groups and/or across countries.
Relevant issues
These issues were addressed in a long-term cross-cultural project
(1999-2008).
Research
questions include:
The following sub-studies are included:
[A] The subjective understanding of risk
taking
motivations (conceptual study)
[B1] Correlational structure of risk related constructs
(employing currently available scales)
[B2] Cross cultural differences in risk
propensity/aversion
(e.g., 'western'/'eastern' countries)
[C] Risk attitudes of people exposed to extreme
environments (i.e., 'real' risk takers)
Instruments include: scales for risk propensity/aversion (click rac-roq for a preliminary "Risk Orientation Questionnaire"), sensation-seeking, decision styles, hazard evaluation, experiences with risk-taking. New questionnaires have also been designed during the course of this research project, utilizing several psychometric approaches.
Current status
Sub-studies (A) and (B1) are completed. Sub-study (B2) is mostly
finished, including data collections in Hong Kong and Germany;
extension to Switzerland and Brazil were restricted to selected issues.
The analysis of the complex data collected in Hong Kong shall be
completed in 2010. (C)
will
be conducted once the analysis of the relevant instruments is
finalised.
Within (A), three new instruments were developed, the "Risk Scenario
Questionnaire" (RSQ), the
"Risk Propensity Questionnaire" (RPQ)
and
the
"Risk Motivation Questionnaire" (RMQ).
All
four risk attitude questionnaires are available in
English,
German and Chinese language (in case of interest please contact mail@rohrmannresearch.net).
A comprehensive publication is in preparation; for a text
which outlines the conceptualization of this projects and presents the
results achieved so far click rac-report.
Expected outcomes
The main benefits of the project will be: applicable knowledge about
the
relevance
of risk attitudes (e.g., for hazard information or safety enhancement
programs)
and instruments which can be utilized in pertinent research on risk
cognition
and risk control. Accordingly, researchers have frequently requested
access to the attitude scales generated in this endeavour.
= Contact address =
Prof. Bernd ROHRMANN, via
Roman Research Road venture, Melbourne, Victoria 3054,
AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 3 93479966, E-Mail: mail@rohrmannresearch.net
WebSite: http://www.rohrmannresearch.net
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