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The Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) and Self-Reported Risk Taking in the Economic Domain

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RWP11-042_Zeckhauser_alia.pdf (204.19 KB)

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2011

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http://web.hks.harvard.edu/publications/workingpapers/citation.aspx?PubId=8048

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John F. Kennedy School for Government, Harvard University
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Dreber, Anna, David G. Rand, Nils Wernerfelt, Justin R. Garcia, J. Koji Lum, and Richard Zeckhauser. 2011. The Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) and Self-Reported Risk Taking in the Economic Domain. HKS Faculty Research Working Paper Series, John F. Kennedy School for Government, Harvard University.

Abstract

Background: Recent evidence suggests that individual variation in risk taking is partly due to genetic factors. Methodology/Principal Findings: We explore how self-reported risk taking in different domains correlates with variation in the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4). Past studies conflict on the influence of DRD4 in relation to risk taking. A sample of 237 serious tournament contract bridge players, experts on risk taking in one domain, was genotyped for having a 7-repeat allele (7R+) or not (7R-) at DRD4. No difference was found between 7R+ and 7R- individuals in general risk taking or in several other risk-related activities. Conclusion: In this sample of individuals (tournament bridge players) there is no relationship between DRD4 genotype and self-reported risk taking in different domains.

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MLD - Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences, Decision Science, Individual Decisions

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http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:5347066

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