Kateryna Troian, 79319

15 April 2024

Summary of the text “Risk-Takers” by Charlie Wittman

Overall, according to Dr. Charlie Wittman, there are some hypotheses as to why

people take risks, which could even be simultaneously present in human

behavior. First, dopamine is one of the biological reasons for this. It is a

component that conducts impulses between neurons. Nerve cells possess

dopamine receptors that regulate dopamine’s level in each cell. It has been

investigated that individuals who have more dopamine receptors are less risk-

takers. That’s why people who receive a large amount of dopamine, could

become addicted to risks. Second, there is also a psychological issue. The

sensation-seeking scale was introduced by M. Zuckerman, which tested a level

of exciting desire in everyday life. In the end, it has been suggested that people

who are adventure enthusiasts are more likely to be risky; this characteristic

feature and behavior could be hereditary. Third, a reason why adolescents might

engage in risky actions is that the pre-frontal cortex is still developing till the

age of 25, which is responsible for planning and making reasoned decisions.

Fourth, the study shows that various types of risks depend on gender. A male

and a female interpret dangerous circumstances from different perspectives,

relying on their life experience and a form of potential future hazard.

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