Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Professor Karen Sullivan, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Research Student:

Dana Borchers - Honours student - School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

What is the purpose of this research?

The concept of risk has been under scrutiny for decades as researchers strive to find out what constitutes 'risky behaviour' or 'risky decisions'. This project investigates how individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, peer influence, and risk propensity influence young adult's perception of risk and risk-taking.

Are you looking for people like me?

If you are between the ages of 17 and 25 years old, and proficient in English, you are eligible to participate in this research project.

What will you ask me to do?

You can do this study online in about 30 minutes. You will be asked to take a survey and complete a balloon popping task. We will give you a link to access the survey. The survey will have questions about yourself and factors such as your perceptions of risk. We will give you step-by-step instructions to help you install and uninstall the software for the balloon popping task.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

This project has been assessed as low risk. In the unlikely event that you experience discomfort from completing this study, you are encouraged to seek support, including from the services that we will suggest to you. If you find that you would be uncomfortable answering questions relating to sensitivity to reward/punishment, susceptibility to social influence, risk propensity, and risk perceptions, consider if this project is right for you.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. However, this study will contribute to a body of knowledge and theoretical frameworks, with the intention of informing future research in the field and will provide a better understanding of the contributors of risk-taking behaviours and risk perceptions.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Should you choose to participate, the research team would like to thank you by offering you the chance to enter a prize draw to receive 1 of 2 $100 Coles E-Gift Cards on completion. QUT psychology students enrolled in PYB100 or PYB102 will have the option to either enter the draw or receive extra academic credit (0.5 credit point).

I am interested - what should I do next?

Take part in the study

QUT Ethics Number: 8509