title: Fast thought speed induces risk taking.
abstract: In two experiments, we tested for a causal link between thought speed and risk taking. In Experiment 1, we manipulated thought speed by presenting neutral-content text at either a fast or a slow pace and having participants read the text aloud. In Experiment 2, we manipulated thought speed by presenting fast-, medium-, or slow-paced movie clips that contained similar content. Participants who were induced to think more quickly took more risks with actual money in Experiment 1 and reported greater intentions to engage in real-world risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and illegal drug use, in Experiment 2. These experiments provide evidence that faster thinking induces greater risk taking.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA. jjchandl@princeton.edu
authors.forename: Jesse J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Chandler
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pronin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013850:Thinking; D013997:Time Factors