Abstract:
Risk behaviour of individuals is influenced by many factors. A socio demographic
factor plays an important role in explaining the risk behaviour of individuals. The
main aim of this study is to examine the impact of socio demographic factors on risk
attitude of individuals. For this purpose, following a case study approach, 150
individuals were selected as the sample in Jaffna Municipal Council area based on
cluster sampling method. Primary data was collected by using a questionnaire and
interviews. Gender, Age, Educational Level, Monthly income, Marital status,
Religion, Investment experience, Investment knowledge were used as the measures
of socio demographic factors whereas Risk seeker and Risk averter were used as
the measures of risk attitude. Three hypotheses were tested using correlation,
regression and one way ANOVA analysis. This study found that socio demographic
factors of age, marital status, monthly income, and investment experience and
investment knowledge have significant relationship with risk attitude while socio
demographic factors of gender, education level and religion have no relationship
with risk attitude of individuals. Further, this study revealed that the socio
demographic factors have significant impact on risk attitude except gender,
educational level and religion. The results also showed that there is a significant
difference in risk attitude amongst individuals from different income groups.
Although this study supports a number of earlier studies, it could not provide
conclusive evidence on some important issues. Furthermore, the finding of the study
can be considered as helpful for some persons or institutions.
