The authors thank Marijn de Bruin, Kirsten Verkooijen, and particularly Rob Ruiter for their assistance in gathering the data.
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Measuring an Individual's Tendency to Take Risks: The Risk Propensity Scale†
Article first published online: 21 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2008.00357.x
© 2008 Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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How to Cite
Meertens, R. M. and Lion, R. (2008), Measuring an Individual's Tendency to Take Risks: The Risk Propensity Scale. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 38: 1506–1520. doi: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2008.00357.x
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 21 MAY 2008
- Article first published online: 21 MAY 2008
- Abstract
- Article
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A new, short, and easily administered Risk Propensity Scale (RPS) is introduced that measures general risk-taking tendencies. This paper investigates the reliability and discriminant validity of the RPS. The RPS provided scores that yielded a good internal reliability coefficient and adequate test–retest reliability, and the scores correlated moderately to well with those of the Everyday Risk Inventory and the short Sensation-Seeking Scale. The correlation with the scores from other scales (Need for Cognition scale, Need for Structure scale, and 2 self-esteem scales) was low to moderate, indicating good discriminant validity. The findings are discussed in relation to risk-perception research using gambling experiments and in relation to their usefulness for risky decision-making research.