How do you feel about taking risks?
Take this short quiz:
- Do you put on the car brake when the traffic light turns yellow, or do you step on the gas? If you put on the brake, give yourself one point. If you step on the gas, give yourself three points.
- Do you fill the gas tank when the needle reaches halfway, or do you run a few miles on empty? If you fill the tank halfway, give yourself one point. If you run on empty, give yourself three points.
- Do you take the long way because it’s the way you know, or will you take a shortcut you’ve never taken before? If you take the long way, give yourself one point. If you’ll take the shortcut, give yourself three points.
- Do you take the train long distances, or do you prefer to fly? If you take the train, give yourself one point. If you fly, give yourself three points.
Now, add up your points. The maximum score is 12 points, and the minimum is 4. Most people will fall somewhere in between. Your score reflects your attitude toward risk and indicates your ability to accept or tolerate risk. Those of you with a higher score can accept a relatively great amount of risk and are referred to as risk tolerant. On the other end of the spectrum, those of you who scored low can accept very little risk and are referred to as risk averse. Many people fall in between the two ends of the spectrum.
Note: This quiz is not scientifically based–it’s being used only to illustrate a point. Quantifying risk tolerance is not an exact science.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.