On learning to make risky decisions

Abstract

Risky behaviour is not only under the control of conscious decision making but may arise out of the individual's conditioning history. A predominant feature of driving behaviour is that of avoidance responding. Evidence from the animal laboratory reveals a distinct preference for delayed responding in avoidance conditioning. There are also good reasons to suspect that delayed avoidance may be rewarding to the vehicle driver. Because delayed avoidance is generally more risky, the consequences for road safety are not heartening. Nevertheless, research with both animal and human subjects has shown that avoidance responding can be brought forward in time, given an appropriate manipulation of contingencies.

Keywords:

• Automobile driving
• Decision making
• Risk taking
• Conditioning
• Avoidance learning
• Accident prevention.