Actually, I think that is exactly what the study says; Liberal risk taking is based on “social and self-awareness;” Conservative risk taking is based on “fight or flight.”
I think a somewhat logical interpretation is to say that Democrat risk taking is based on emotion (”How will it make me feel?”) and Republicans are based on cost/benefit analysis (”What is at stake?”).
This is exactly why they are low information voters and always will be. The only way to get the dems to vote conservative is to use the EMO card. Talking to them logically will not compute.
Also, the liberals are expert social psychologists using EMO to get the sheep to do as they want. Hence, using every catastrophe to play on the emotions of the sheep. Lying is great because the sheep are using emotions and not brains and will not remember what was said by only how they felt about what was said.
I think the study IS trying to make liberals look superior. Its subtle, but its there. Consider:
“Social and Self-awareness” — These are generally things a civilized person is concerned with.
“Fight or Flight” — Sounds like the reaction of a thug or savage. In short, someone who constantly perceives they are in danger.