Risk Perception Scale

Risk Perception Scale

Risk Perception Scale

People often see some risk in situations that contain uncertainty about what the outcome or consequences will be and for which there is the possibility of negative consequences. However, riskiness is a very personal and intuitive notion, and we are interested in your gut level assessment of how risky each situation or behavior is.

For each of the following statements, please indicate how risky you perceive each situation. Provide a rating from 1 to 5, using the following scale:

______

12345

Not at all Moderately Extremely risky

risky risky

For each of the following statements, please indicate how risky you perceive each situation. Provide a rating from “Extremely Unlikely” to “Extremely Likely,” using the following scale:

1- Not at all risky

2- Slightly Risky

3- Somewhat Risky

4- Moderately Risky

5- Risky

6- Very Risky

7- Extremely Risky

1. Admitting that your tastes are different from those of a friend._____

  1. Going camping in the wilderness. _____
  2. Betting a day’s income at the horse races. _____
  3. Swimming far out from shore on an unguarded lake or ocean._____
  4. Investing 10% of your annual income in a moderate growth mutual fund._____
  5. Drinking heavily at a social function._____
  6. Taking some questionable deductions on your income tax return._____
  7. Disagreeing with an authority figure on a major issue._____
  8. Betting a day’s income at a high-stake poker game._____
  9. Having an affair with a married man/woman._____
  10. Passing off somebody else’s work as your own._____
  11. Going on vacation to a third-world country._____
  12. Arguing with a friend who has a different opinion on an issue._____
  13. Going down a ski run that is beyond your ability._____
  14. Investing 5% of your annual income in a very speculative stock._____
  15. Approaching your boss for a raise._____
  16. Going whitewater rafting at high water in the spring._____
  17. Betting a day’s income on the outcome of a sporting event

(e.g., baseball, soccer, or football)._____

  1. Investing 5% of your annual income in a dependable and conservative stock._____
  2. Engaging in unprotected sex. _____
  3. Revealing a friend’s secret to someone else. _____
  4. Driving a car without wearing a seat belt._____
  5. Investing 10% of your annual income in a new business venture. _____
  6. Taking a weekend sky diving class._____
  7. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet._____
  8. Gambling a week’s income at a casino._____
  9. Choosing a career that you truly enjoy over a more prestigious one._____
  10. Downloading proprietary software from the Internet._____
  11. Reporting a neighbor or friend for some illegal activity._____
  12. Speaking your mind about an unpopular issue in a meeting at work._____
  13. Sunbathing without sunscreen._____
  14. Bungee-jumping off a tall bridge. _____
  15. Piloting a small plane._____
  16. Walking home alone at night in an unsafe area of town._____
  17. Eating high cholesterol foods._____
  18. Driving while taking medication that may make you drowsy._____
  19. Moving to a city far away from your extended family. _____
  20. Starting a new career in your mid-thirties._____
  21. Leaving your young children alone at home while running an errand._____
  22. Not returning a wallet you found that contains $200._____
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