Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the reasons behind risk taking behavior have baffled psychologists and sociologists for many years. This research explores new theories that might help to explain why people love to take risks. It revisits some of the older theories and adds insight into emerging philosophies on risk taking behavior. The proposed study takes into account current theories on risk taking behaviors, but focuses on Griffiths' psycho-evolutionary theory and its impact on risk taking theory. The writer examines several new theories including biophilia, intra-indigenous consciousness, theories in adventure education, and social disconnectedness. The paper also includes appendices, showing details of survey and an IQ test.

Outline:
Proposal
Introduction
Background and Underlying Theory
The Emotional Response to Risk
The History of Risk Theory
Evolutionary Perspectives
Modern Theories
Psycho-evolutionary Theory
Theoretical Basis of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Hypothesis
Methodology
Study Participants
Research Instrument
Procedure
Variables
Data Analysis
Limitations of the Study
Conclusion
Appendix I
Appendix II
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"People can be divided into risk takers, risk reducers and risk avoiders. This is termed as the person's risk orientation. Risk avoiders tend to avoid situations that they feel are risky. Risk reducers partake in an activity, but ignore, or refuse to acknowledge the risks involved. Risk takers appear to be attracted to the risks themselves and will participate in an activity because of the risks involved. It is this third category, risk takers that this research will be most concerned with. The purpose of this research will be to tie traditional theories about risk taking to the psychoevolutionary theory in order to examine the possibility of an evolutionary basis for the propensity towards engaging in risky behaviors."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Edminson, D. (2000). The Neurobiology of Fear. Retrieved February 20 from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro00/web2/Edmundson.html
• Eysenck, H.J. (1987). Personality theory and the problem of criminality. In Muncie, J., McLaughlin, E., & Langan, M. (Eds.), Criminological Perspectives: A Reader (pp. 81-98). London: Sage Publications Ltd.
• Fodor, J. A. (1983). The Modularity of Mind: An Essay on Faculty Psychology. Cambridge, Mass. and London, MIT Press.
• Griffiths, P.E. (2000). Reflection on the Psychoevolutionary Theory: A Study of Emotion and Evolution. P. E. Griffiths. Summary by Chris Murphy, Brianne VanElslander, Sonia Ramirez, Claudia Sanchez. Loyola Marymount University. Psychology 452. October 10, 2000. http://www.drmillslmu.com/EVOLPSYC/fall00/panel2.htm
• Llewellyn, D.J. (2003). The psychology of risk taking: The case for a multidimensional model of risk taking behaviour. Paper presented at the 2003 O2 Risk Conference. Retrieved February 20, 2007 from http://www.risktaking.co.uk/resources.htm

Visitors who viewed this Research Paper also liked these:

• Research Paper # 128867 : "Intelligent Design vs. Modern Evolutionary Theory"
• Argumentative Essay # 98431 : "God and the Theory of Evolution"
• Analytical Essay # 126792 : "The Theory of Planned Behavior"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: