Efecto de las perdidas y ganancias recientes en el riesgo asumido por los automovilistas (Effect of recent losses and gains on drivers risk behavior).

The effect of recent losses and gains on risky behavior and the risk perceived in performance on the TIC/PC driving simulator is analysed. The theoretical models analysed coincide in predicting an increase in risky behaviour after the loss and no modification after the gain. The results obtained do not confirm these predictions with regard to the effect of recent losses. The group which has gained does not differ from the control group. With regard to perceived risk, only the Zero-Risk Theory predicts modifications after the loss. Even though the experimental subjects perceive less risk after the loss, this is not translated by an increase in risky behaviour. It appears that perception and behaviour are controlled by different mechanisms.