Risk
A Majority of Americans Oppose Nuclear Power. How Does Nuclear 'Dread' Affect Their Perceptions?
A new study finds that the public is more supportive of nuclear power when looking only at numbers about calculated risk—without knowing it's nuclear power they're dealing with.
Will the Zika Virus Outbreak Change Minds About GMOs?
The Zika virus outbreak in the Americas hits on the things that risk-perception researchers know worry people most. Will that be enough to overcome people's fears about genetically modified mosquitoes?
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: The National Science Foundation Fellow With a Passion for Working Around the Clock
We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.
Thank God for Risky Behavior
New research finds thoughts of the almighty increase our propensity to take chances, unless morality is involved.
Americans Want to Fire Their Congressmen. Here’s Why They Won’t
We may not approve of the jobs they're doing, but we're also unlikely to take a risk by replacing our elected representatives—especially when economic times are tough.
How Much Is Enough Certainty to Make a Decision About Life or Death?
How much is enough certainty to make a decision about life or death, sickness or health?
Do You Understand the Risks of Tylenol? Probably Not
Most Americans know that overdosing can be dangerous but many wrongly think it’s safe to mix drugs containing acetaminophen, a nationwide poll found.
How Parents Shape Their Kids’ Risk Tolerance
A new working paper outlines how mom and dad can influence their child's levels of risk tolerance and trust, traits that have a significant impact on career outcome.
People Who Feel Excluded Often Take Bigger Financial Risks
People who feel excluded take bigger financial risks.
Q&A With the Author of 'The Norm Chronicles'
A conversation with the authors of a new book about risk, how our decisions change it, and how it changes our decisions.
The Contagiousness of Suicide in the Classroom
One of the largest studies of its kind supports the theory that kids are more likely to consider suicide when those around them have committed the act.
Why Do Firefighters Choose Such Risky Work?
They don't—or at least they don't think they do.
Risk-Glorifying Video Games Impact Real-World Behavior
German researchers find students who play video games that encourage risk-taking are less likely to take a free health screening.
Why Is the Government Spending So Much to Subsidize Coastal Rebuilding?
In Ocean City, New Jersey, alone, Washington has dropped more than $40 million to restore beaches that will never be safe from the storms.
American Decline: Are China and Japan Going to Eat Our Lunch?
People have been trying, for decades, to convince us that our country is in relative decline from an exceptional peak, that we must be on the road to ruin.
Driving Is Much Deadlier Than Terrorism—Why Isn't It Scarier?
Humans are flighty, irrational creatures that calculate risk in fascinating ways.
On 'Jeopardy!' Women Take Fewer Risks vs. Men
A study of contestant behavior on the popular game show "Jeopardy!" suggests women tend to hedge their bets when facing male opponents.
Skateboarders Try Riskier Tricks for Women
Researchers find that skateboarders will take more risks with their tricks and boast higher testosterone levels when women are present.
In Baseball, Younger Siblings Steal More Bases
Evolutionary theory suggests younger siblings take more risks. New research finds that is true — at least on the baseball diamond.
Religion Linked to Corporate Decision Making
A new study reveals that U.S. companies are less likely to accept financial risks when they are based in communities where religion is important.
Public Mostly Supports Nanotechnology
A generally risk-averse population in the Western world has so far been surprisingly welcoming of nanotechnology, a new meta-study finds.