The Dynamics of Risk Perception: How Does Perceived Risk Respond to Risk Events?

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between perceived risk and experience. This research addresses the processes by which people learn about risk and choose among real life prospects with associated uncertainties, risks and benefits. By comparing the impact of acute risk events with that of chronic risk events on public perception of risk during and after the events, this research focuses on the learning processes that characterize what kinds of risk events alter the perception of risk. Comparing materialized hazards at existing facilities with the risks associated with potential facilities, this research addresses risk choices among real life prospects. This study uses a classic pre-post quasi-experimental design. Surveys conducted in the Spring of 1992 on perceived and acceptable risk in Odessa and La Porte, Texas were conducted prior to risk events. Respondents from that survey were re-interviewed in the Spring of 1993 after the risk events to form a panel design. This paper analyzes the affect of risk events on perceived risk and the implications of these experiences for public policy concerning technological risk. The empirical results suggest that the social processes that construct and maintain risk in the public eye are at least as important as, if not more important than, the physical and psychological dimensions of risk.

Risk communication, the West Nile virus epidemic, and bioterrorism: responding to the communication challenges posed by the intentional or unintentional release of a pathogen in an urban setting

“…4,5,[25][26][27] To date, at least 15 risk perception factors have been identified that have direct relevance to risk communication (see the Table). 3,4,8 These factors play a large role in determining levels of concern, worry, anger, anxiety, fear, hostility, and outrage, which in turn can significantly change attitudes and behavior.…”

Terrorism risk concern in Europe

“…We conduct the first longitudinal analysis on a pan-European level, investigating whether differences in terrorism risk are reflected on terrorism perception, motivated by the Bayesian framework (Viscusi and O'Connor 1984;Viscusi 1985;Viscusi et al 1987;Rogers 1997).…”

SMS Derived vs. Public Perceived Risk in Aviation Technology Acceptance (Literature Review)

“…Additionally, they found an influencing link between education level and attitude. Significantly, regarding experience, risk perception is derived from an overall experience level that rarely includes experience for the risk in question (Rogers, 1997). Realistic risk perception occurs when people have indirect or direct experience with the risks involved; otherwise, they must rely on other factors (Sjöberg, 2000).…”

“…If media or printed information fails, then using face-to-face communication may be the most effective (Lester, 2000). Ultimately, the risk communication goal should be to garner and incorporate public risk perception information into the risk assessment decisions of the organization utilizing SMS (Rogers, 1997).…”