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Journal Article

Citation

Reilly MP, Greenwald MK, Johanson CE. Psychol. Rec. 2006; 56(2): 191-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Kenyon College)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Stoplight Task, a procedure involving a computer analog of a stoplight, was evaluated for assessing risk taking in humans. Seventeen participants earned points later exchangeable for money by completing a response requirement before the red light appeared on a simulated traffic light. The green light signaled to start responding; it changed to yellow at different points into the response requirement. The yellow light, which varied unpredictably in duration, was eventually replaced with a red light. Participants could stop or continue responding when the yellow light appeared. Stopping protected earnings; completing the response requirement before the red light earned money; continuing but failing to complete the response requirement before the red light appeared could result in money loss with 12.5% or 100% probability. The probability of risk taking (running the yellow) was lower when the probability of monetary loss was 100% and when the yellow light appeared early in the completion of the response requirement. Participants scoring higher on risk-taking and impulsivity personality rating scales behaved 'riskier' in the stoplight task. Potential applications of the Stoplight Task are suggested.

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