Risk Assessment and Core Affect

Abstract

This research examined how risk perception and risk taking behaviors change when core affect is manipulated. Core affect is defined in terms of valence (positive or negative) and activation (high or low). Slideshows from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) were shown to 129 Psychology 100 students, and used to put participants into one of the four affective quadrants. They were then given one measure of risk perception and two measures of risk taking. While the results were not significant, a number of confounds were discussed, most notably the participants lack of statistical familiarity, and the need for a manipulation check to confirm the IAPS can induce affect.