risk propensity v. priming and demographics

Alan NochensonIST 597J Method Implementation10/24/2012

Is it possible to prime participants so that they ask in a less risky way in security user studies?

Pennstate.qualtrics.com Let me randomize viewing order and other

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Timing

Browser statistics

Number of clicks

Based on Meertens and Lion (2008)

Had to reverse-score the appropriate questions (typo in original paper)

Then, add up the answers to get a score (higher is more risk-seeking)

Change to percentage

H1: The order in which the warning message is displayed has an impact on risk propensity

H2: Demographic factors have an impact on risk propensity

H3: Demographic factors have an impact on knowledge about phishing

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Timing

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Change variables to usable categorical forms

Change to binary yes/no

▪ Phishing question correct?

▪ Country of origin is US?

Change to low/high around median

▪ Education, Income, RPS, Age

Order does not have an effect

Median: 40%Mean: 43%

Gender almost has an effect (males higher)

Country of origin has no effect

U.S. – 14India – 5China – 3Other – 1 (Israel)

Income almost has an effectMedian: $80-90kMode: Over $100k (9 of 23)

Education has no effectMedian: completed 4 year degreeMode: same (11 of 23)

Gender has a weak effect

Recruitment is difficult Difficult to see effects with small n Important to use not only crosstabs Important to go in with specific

hypothesis, otherwise too many options

Meertens, R. M. and R. Lion. 2008. “Measuring and Individual’s Tendency to Take Risks: the Risk Propensity Scale” Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 38(6): 1506-1520.