Risk-sensitivity theory predicts that decision-makers shift from risk-aversion to riskpreference
in situations where low-risk options are unlikely to meet their needs. Risksensitive
theory is contrasted with more traditional unbounded models of decision-making
predicting that decision-makers seek to optimize utility in all decisions. In this dissertation, I
review influential theories of decision-making from the various behavioral sciences, and offer
an integrated approach to understanding decision-making informed by evolutionary theory. I
then present evidence suggesting that risk-taking comprises a general phenomenon, inclusive
of such behaviors as gambling and antisocial conduct. Finally, I demonstrate in several
laboratory experiments that conditions of need, such as inequality, are important motivators
of risky behavior. Together, the results suggest that risk-taking represents a functional
triggering of preference for variable outcomes in response to conditions of need, consistent
with risk-sensitivity theory. / xiv, 149 leaves ; 29 cm
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/2580 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Mishra, Sandeep, University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science |
| Contributors | Lalumière, Martin L. |
| Publisher | Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2010, Arts and Science, Department of Psychology |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Relation | Thesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science) |
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