Mosaic of Reasons

This doctoral dissertation explores how risk and competitiveness subdimensions influence various methodological and theoretical topics. It is organized into four chapters: Chapter 1: At Risk of Loss This chapter examines how loss aversion affects self-reported risk attitudes, compromising discriminant validity. A new measure is proposed to address this issue. Chapter 2: Structural Rivalry and Individual Competence Two distinct types of perceived competition are explored: structural competition, driven by goal-incompatible incentives, and individual competitiveness, shaped by effort and skill demands. Chapter 3: Competitiveness Subdimensions, Gender, and Personality A new model of trait competitiveness is introduced with three subdimensions: desire to win, enjoyment of competition, and personal development. Their associations with gender and personality traits are analyzed. Chapter 4: Heterogeneous Effects of Competition on Performance This chapter explains null meta-analytic findings on competition and performance through heterogeneous treatment effects, supported by experimental evidence.