Abstract
The veridicality of subjective estimates of relative risk was examined on two Choice Dilemma Questionnaire items. The results indicated that although, on the average, individuals view themselves as riskier than their peers, the Ss could be divided into three groups-those who saw themselves as riskier (R), the same as (S), or more cautious (C) than their peers. Comparisons of the mean levels of risk advocated by Ss in each group indicated that the perceptions of relative riskiness of Ss in the R and C groups were veridical. Ss in the S group were significantly more cautious than they realized. This pattern of results suggests that the risky shift may be accounted for through conformity or attitude changes related to a social comparison process rather than the mechanisms postulated by the social value hypothesis.
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This research was supported by Grant No.PRF5861 from the Purdue Research Foundation.
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Castore, C.H., Goodrich, T.A. & Peterson, K. The veridicality of subjective estimates of relative risk. Psychon Sci 21, 321–322 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335802
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335802