Publication details for Prof Morten Lau

Harrison, G.W., Lau, M.I. & Rutstrom, E.E. (2007). Estimating risk attitudes in Denmark: A Field Experiment. Scandinavian Journal of Economics 109(2): 341–368.

• Publication type: Journal papers: academic
• ISSN/ISBN: 0347-0520, 1467-9442
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9442.2007.00496.x
• View online: Online version
• Durham research online: DRO record

Author(s) from Durham

• Prof Morten Lau

Abstract

We estimate individual risk attitudes using controlled experiments in the field in Denmark. The experiments were carried out across Denmark using a representative sample of 253 people between 19 and 75 years of age. Risk attitudes are estimated for various individuals differentiated by socio-demographic characteristics. Our results indicate that the average Dane is risk averse, and that risk neutrality is an inappropriate assumption to apply. We also find that risk attitudes vary significantly with respect to several important socio-demographic variables such as age and education. However, we do not find any effect of sex on risk attitudes.