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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
Published on: September 19, 2012
The link between cognitive abilities and risk preference depends on measurement
Sebastian Olschewski1,2, Jörg Rieskamp3, Ralph Hertwig4
1Department of Psychology, Center for Economic Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 62A, 4056, Basel, Switzerland. sebastian.olschewski@unibas.ch.
Measurement methods significantly impact how risk preference relates to cognitive abilities. Self-report shows positive links, while behavioral measures reveal inconsistencies due to choice architecture, affecting risk-taking research.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Sciences
- Psychology
- Decision Science
Background:
- Risk preference is key to understanding individual differences in risk-taking.
- Research explores links between risk preference and psychological constructs like cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how measurement methods moderate the relationship between risk preference and cognitive abilities.
- To identify factors influencing observed correlations in different measurement approaches.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two large-scale, multimethod datasets on risk preference.
- Comparison of correlations between cognitive abilities (working memory capacity, numeracy) and risk tolerance using self-report versus behavioral measures.
Main Results:
- Self-report measures showed small, consistent positive correlations between cognitive abilities and risk tolerance.
- Behavioral measures exhibited no average correlation and significant heterogeneity, explained by choice architecture (risk-reward relations, decision error).
Conclusions:
- The method for measuring risk preference is a crucial moderator in its relationship with cognitive abilities.
- Understanding choice architecture is essential for accurately assessing risk preference and its psychological correlates.
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