Introduction
Welcome, brave adventurers! Are you ready to delve into the intriguing world of risk-taking? In this webquest, you will embark on a thrilling journey to understand why some people enjoy taking risks more than others. Get ready to uncover the psychological factors behind this fascinating phenomenon. Let's begin!
Task
The Psychology of Risk-Taking
- Step 1: Visit this site to read an article about the psychology of risk-taking.
- Step 2: Take notes on the key points that explain why some individuals are more inclined to take risks.
- Step 3: Create a visual represent (infographic) of the different factors influencing risk-taking behavior using Canva.
- Signin using Google
- Search Infographic poster and find a template you like.
- Customize one with information from the above article.
Process
Read the StudySync Blast background information. Add any additional/necessary information to your Canva infographic.
Do you squirm with excitement at the idea of bungee jumping? Or does the thought of heights make you sick to your stomach?
Some people love to take risks, to feel the thrill of taking a chance. Others are risk-averse. They prefer to stay safe.
Extreme sports like bungee jumping are one type of risk. Risks come in other forms, too. There are relationship risks, like telling a friend that she hurt your feelings, or physical risks, like jumping over a big puddle. There are also financial risks, like loaning money to a sibling. Every risk has a possible consequence and a possible benefit. In this unit, you will explore texts featuring people who take risks of all kinds.
Why do people enjoy throwing caution to the wind? Research suggests that it has to do with the release of chemicals in the brain. Major risks trigger a release of adrenaline in the brain, making you feel a rush. This is followed by the release of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, which provides happiness. People take risks in pursuit of this exciting combination of good feelings.
Whether or not you like risks could also depend on your personality. Psychologist Marvin Zuckerman identifies a character trait in certain people that he calls “sensation-seeking.” This is “the pursuit of novel, intense and complex sensations and experiences, and the willingness to take risks for the sake of such experience.” These people are just more drawn to risky activities.
Why do people take risks that seem senseless? Physician and author Alex Lickerman says this is often a result of making emotional choices. People sometimes act on personal experience instead of logic. People who are not aware of how they are biased make choices on flawed reasoning. Lickerman says thinking through risks in a more balanced way allows you to create clarity around what your gut is telling you.
Though risk taking can be negative, or even deadly, scientists argue that some risk taking has historically been essential to keeping the human species alive. Risks have been a part of life since cavemen roamed the earth. Risks have helped people find food, shelter and companionship. As Zuckerman explained, “without risky experiences, humanity would stagnate; there would be little impetus for discovery.”
Think about some risks you have taken. Why do you think you took them? Would you describe yourself as sensation-seeking, or risk-averse? Why do we take chances?
Evaluation
Your infographic needs to be uploaded to the Google Classroom assignment.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Congratulations, intrepid explorers! You have successfully completed your quest to understand why some people like taking risks more than others. Reflect on the knowledge you have gained and consider how risk-taking behavior can shape individuals' lives. Remember, not all risks are created equal, and understanding the psychology behind risk-taking can help us make informed decisions in our own lives.