This paper is an analysis of some of the literature concerning group mediated risk taking. Jhangiani explores Brown's V-theory, which states that members of a society try to realize its cultural ideals in their behavior; Nordhoy's theory of cultural values, which states that "In the group, the impact of values which are commonly accepted in the culture to which the subjects belong will be reinforced;" and Marquis' and Reitz' theory of risk, that 2 independent forces (expected value maximization and uncertainty reduction) affect group outcomes in risk situations. He critizes Brown on the fact that the theory is not stated in a fashion designed to facilitate the derivation and testing of strong hypotheses, Nordhoy on the grounds that he never defines "cultural values", and Marquis and Reitz on the charge that they have not specified the behavioral analogues of the 2 independent variables. Yet, in the final analysis, he believes the Marquis and Reitz attempt has an adequate behavioral base and just might turn out to be the sleeper on the subject. (Author/TA)