In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Tomás Lejarraga, a behavioral scientist working at the intersection of economics and psychology. We explore how birth order influences siblings' willingness to take risks. Our discussion begins by examining the long-held hypothesis that younger, laterborn children are more prone to taking risks than their older siblings. Dr. Lejarraga shares insights from a study on risk-taking behavior in adulthood, revealing surprising findings that challenge this belief. We also discuss a second study suggesting that while birth order effects cannot be entirely dismissed, they are primarily observable in younger ages and may not persist throughout life. Additionally, we delve into the various methods scientists use to assess individuals' willingness to take risks, the competitive dynamics among siblings, the implications of null results, and the influence of environment and culture on birth order effects. The episode will help listeners understand the complexities of sibling differences and how family environments shape our behavior.

The episode transcript is available at www.unravelingbehavior.org.

Timestamps

(01:33) How risk preferences form and develop

(03:37) Family dynamics and their impact on personality traits and risk taking

(08:42) Defining laterborns

(10:40) Past research on birth order effects on personality and risk taking

(16:25) Methodology used to study birth order effects in adulthood

(19:51) Self-reported risk taking and exploring personal assessments

(26:01) Lab experiments and analyzing risky choices in controlled settings

(30:49) Real-life risks and the choices of notable explorers and revolutionaries

(33:47) Interpreting null results and what they mean for birth order research

(36:20) Could birth order effects be confined to family environments?

(39:27) Investigating birth-order effects across different age groups

(45:18) Parental strategies on whether to counteract or embrace the influence of birth order

(48:09) Focus on Western samples in birth order research and the need for cross-cultural studies

(50:13) Understanding common perceptions about birth order effects

(51:25) Learning pathways with instruction vs. experience depending on birth order

(53:10) The environment's influence in shaping risk-taking behavior