Multilevel causal attributions on transboundary risk: Effects on attributions of responsibility, psychological distance, and policy support

Abstract

This study used two randomized experiments in a prospective design (Study 1 N = 297, Study 2 N = 296) to examine how multilevel causal attribution dimensions (internal vs. external to an individual or a country) shape domestic and foreign policy support to counter transboundary risk. Results from Study 1 and 2 showed that external-country (vs. internal-country) causal attribution reduced perceptions of internal-country attributions of responsibility, which had a cross-lagged effect on support for domestic-industry policies to mitigate the risk. In contrast, perceptions of external-country attributions of responsibility increased support for foreign policies in a 2-week follow up. This study offers theoretical insights into the demarcation of multilevel causal attribution dimensions in studying media framing effects. It also highlights some important causal mechanisms of how media frames shape public support for policies aimed at transboundary risk mitigation.

On the interconnected nature of risk and responsibility in the research and development of new and emerging technologies

“…Embedded in this challenge are ethical considerations, such as how the consequences will be distributed, who has the authority to introduce a risk, and who will be responsible for mitigating and managing such risks (Doorn, 2015; Douglas et al., 2022a; Giddens, 1999). Questions related to the role of responsibility in risk analysis have been investigated (e.g., Kim & Kim, 2022; Liu & Du, 2022; Rickard, 2014). The scope of these investigations, however, is largely limited to psychological theories and examines the attribution of responsibility in case undesirable consequences occur.…”