Thread:User talk:Nebuchadnezzar/BBC show about the anthropological development of humans & the body

Called Origins of Us. have you seen it?

For the most part, it has been really good, but the last part I wanted your take on, given all our discussions. The last bit is a discussion of risk taking in men. "studies are showing that men's willingness to take a risk goes up when (attractive) women are around." They of course do not cite the study, but here's what they give as details...

Young adult males (16-20) were shown a new and very difficult skateboard technique. The researchers tested how often each male would attempt the new trick, and how often they would "safe out" so they didn't fall. Each person of course makes his own choice on how often to try. Each male was rated uniquely. Then these same 30 skaters were given a new trick, same situation, except this time there was an audience of young women. Each male's rate went up 40% or more when a (young) woman came in. Control groups were done with a male audience, an audience of children, and an audience of mixed adults. (they risk went up anytime an audience was present, but by under 10%). Testosterone levels were taken in each case, and they went up roughly equivalent to the rate of increase of risk taking.

anything here? or a weak study? from your first gut reaction.