The learning process, defined as behaviour change, does not only involve learning; the individual is also expected to take an active role in this process and an academic risk in uncertain situations. In this study, descriptive survey model was utilised. Participants were secondary school students (11-13 years) from Turkey. 'Social Studies-Oriented Academic Risk Taking Scale', 'Autonomous Learning Scale' and personal information form were used for data collection tools. Students' social studies-oriented academic risk taking levels and autonomous learning levels were determined. The results show a moderate-level correlation between autonomous learning skills and academic risk-taking behaviours. The results also indicate that there is a difference in favour of female students, parental attitudes have no effect on autonomous learning and maternal attitude is effective only in the 'Avoiding Academic Risks' sub dimension. The students who perceive themselves to be successful take more academic risks and have more efficient autonomous learning skills.