Understanding Decision Making at Work
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Don Zhang, the Risk and Decision Making Lab is housed in Louisiana State University, Department of Psychology. We conduct research on how people make decisions at work, with a focus on risk and decision making. Our mission is to understand the cognitive, personality, and organizational influences on decision making at work. We are committed to conducting rigorous, high-quality research that has practical implications for organizations and individuals.
Research Programs
Risk Propensity and Work
We study how individual differences in risk propensity affects outcomes at work and in life. Our research explores both the bright side of risk propensity (e.g., creativity) and the dark side (e.g., deviance).
Decision Modeling
We are interested in applying cognitive and decision models to how people make decisions at work.
Employee Selection
We develop and advocate for evidence-based tools and methods for identifying, recruiting, and placing talent at work.
Scientist-Practitioner Gap
We use consumer friendly methods to communicate scientific evidence to deliver evidence based findings to relevant stakeholders.
Large Language Models
We use modern LLMs to understand psychological mechanisms underlying decision making processes at work.
Replicability
We are interested in the replicability of scientific research and how to conduct research that is robust, reproducible, and trustworthy.
Research Tools & Scales
GRiPS
General Risk Propensity Scale - A validated measure of individual differences in risk-taking propensity across various domains.
Learn MoreCASPRT
Composite Anticipated and Subjective Probability of Risk Taking - A comprehensive assessment of risk perceptions and tendencies.
Learn MoreRisk Propensity at Work Meta-Analysis
A comprehensive meta-analytic investigation on the construct validity of risk propensity at work, integrating insights from decision science and large language models.
Learn MoreMeet Our Researchers
Don C. Zhang, PhD
Principal Investigator
Tyler Cowley
Ph.D. Student (Sixth Year)
Katelyn Reeves
Ph.D. Student (Fourth Year)
Niloufar (Nilou) Dodangeh
Ph.D. Student (Second Year)
Abby Martin
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Caleb Kidder
Undergraduate Research Assistant
London Greenfield
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Maddie Nguyen
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Latest News
Presentations at SIOP 2025, Chicago
RANDM Lab members presented research on AI, chronotype, and large language models at SIOP 2025, fostering new collaborations and receiving valuable feedback.
Read moreEditor's Commendation in the Journal of Business and Psychology
RANDM Lab's 2023 publication received the Editor Commendation in the Journal of Business and Psychology.
Read moreCongratulations, Dr. Gino Howard
Gino graduated with his PhD and is now an Assistant Professor at CSU San Bernadino.
Read moreGraduate Student Katelyn Reeves Presenting at SJDM Conference
Katelyn Reeves presented our research on risk takers at work at the SJDM Conference.
Read moreGet in Touch
We're always looking for talented individuals and collaborators. Whether you're interested in joining our lab, participating in research, or partnering with us, we'd love to hear from you.
Location
Audubon Hall, Rooms 9 and 10
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Join Our Lab
We offer various opportunities to engage with our research
Research Assistants
Undergraduate students can join our lab as research assistants. Gain hands-on experience with literature reviews, data analysis, experiment design, and manuscript preparation.
Requirements: GPA 3.5+, 3-6 hours/week commitment, two-semester minimum
Apply NowGraduate Students
We're accepting graduate applications for students interested in risk-taking, decision-making, and employee selection research.
What we look for: Intense curiosity, evidence-driven mindset, self-starter attitude
Learn MoreResearch Participants
Volunteer as a research participant and contribute to our scientific investigations. Studies include online surveys, laboratory experiments, and decision-making tasks.
Compensation: $10-$40 per study, 30-90 minutes
Sign UpIndustry Partners
We collaborate with organizations on applied research, employee selection tools, risk assessment practices, and decision-making workshops.
Services: Consulting, tool development, workshops, applied research
Explore Partnerships