Abstract
We explored the utility of analyzing within- and between-balloon response patterns on a balloon analogue task (BAT) in relation to overall risk scores, and to a choice between a small guaranteed cash reward and an uncertain reward of the same expected value. Young adults (n = 61) played a BAT, and then were offered a choice between $5 in cash and betting to win $0 to $15. Between groups, pumping was differentially influenced by explosions and by the number of successive unexploded balloons, with risk takers responding increasingly on successive balloons after an explosion. Within-balloons, risk takers showed a characteristic pattern of constant high rate, while non-risk takers showed a characteristic variable lower rate. Overall, results show that the higher number of pumps and explosions that characterize risk takers at a molar level, result from particular forms of adaptation to the positive and negative outcomes of choices seen at a molecular level.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 207-227 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of General Psychology |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 18 Jun 2014 |
Keywords
- balloon analog task
- BART
- choice
- impulsivity
- molar-molecular analyses
- probabilistic rewards
- risk-taking