MULTIMETHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO EXAMINING RISK-TAKING

Research on risk-taking behavior has shown to yield inconsistent findi ngs. Three studies were conducted using four different analysis techni ques. The first study used a phenomenological approach and qualitative analysis to gain an understanding of risk-taking. A model of factors relating to risk-taking was developed and tested in a second study. Th e third study was conducted to develop scales of risk and used magnitu de estimation and multidimensional scaling techniques. Results from th e studies confirmed the multidimensionality of the construct of risk-t aking. Also indicated was a gender difference in risk-taking behavior and perception. These studies expand our knowledge of risk-taking beha vior in that 1) a method of categorizing risks was developed, 2) gende r similarities and differences in risk-taking were explored, and 3) pe rceived magnitude and underlying dimensions of risk were developed.