The risk-taking behavior of male Indian and Canadian students was observed in a gambling situation and in a situation dependent on skill. It was found that the Indians were more conservative than the Canadians in both situations. They chose high-probability bets when gambling and underestimated their performance on the skill task. The overall approach of the Indians was similar to that of individuals with low achievement drive, high fear of failure and a belief in the external control of reinforcement. The antecedents of these motives and implications for change and development are noted.
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