scholarly journals Psychological Drivers of Individual Differences in Risk Perception: A Systematic Case Study Focusing on 5G

2021 ◽  
pp. 095679762199831
Author(s):  
Renato Frey
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity ◽  
National Expert ◽  
Future Policy

What drives people’s perceptions of novel risks, and how malleable are such risk perceptions? Psychological research has identified multiple potential drivers of risk perception, but no studies have yet tested within a unified analytic framework how well each of these drivers accounts for individual differences in large population samples. To provide such a framework, I harnessed the deployment of 5G—the latest generation of cellular network technology. Specifically, I conducted a multiverse analysis using a representative population sample in Switzerland (Study 1; N = 2,919 individuals between 15 and 94 years old), finding that interindividual differences in risk perceptions were strongly associated with hazard-related drivers (e.g., trust in the institutions regulating 5G, dread) and person-specific drivers (e.g., electromagnetic hypersensitivity)—and strongly predictive of people’s policy-related attitudes (e.g., voting intentions). Further, a field experiment based on a national expert report on 5G ( N = 839 individuals in a longitudinal sample between 17 and 79 years old) identified links between intraindividual changes in psychological drivers and perceived risk, thus highlighting potential targets for future policy interventions.

scholarly journals Psychological drivers of inter- and intraindividual differences in risk perception: A systematic case study on 5G

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Frey
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Interindividual Differences ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Psychological Models ◽  
Risk And Benefit

What drives people’s perceptions of risks and benefits associated with novel technologies? Although various psychological models of risk perception have been proposed, it has not yet been systematically tested how well such models can account for interindividual differences in large population samples, as well as for intraindividual variability that may occur across time. This article capitalizes on the current deployment of 5G—the latest generation of cellular network technology—as a topical case study to model the psychological drivers of risk perception and its associations with policy-related attitudes (e.g., voting intention). Study 1 collected a representative population sample (N = 2,919) to directly compare three psychological models of risk perception, finding that predictors such as trust, feelings of dread, and objective knowledge provide a good account for interindividual differences in perceived risk and benefit, which in turn were strongly associated with policy-related attitudes. Study 2 corroborated these findings in a cross-sectional sample (N = 960); moreover, in a longitudinal sample (N = 780), variations in the same psychological drivers were also systematically associated with intraindividual changes in perceived risk and benefit—and consequently, with policy-related attitudes. In sum, this article provides a systematic investigation of the drivers of risk perception at the level of individual participants, and corroborates the important role of risk perception in shaping policy-related attitudes.

scholarly journals Perceived Risk of Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in the Continental United States

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1562
Author(s):  
Saul Lozano ◽  
Jonathan Day ◽  
Lilyana Ortega ◽  
Maggie Silver ◽  
Roxanne Connelly
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
News Media ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Use Of Resources

The United States experienced local transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time in 1999, and Zika Virus (ZIKV) in 2016. These introductions captured the public’s attention in varying degrees. The research presented here analyzes the disproportional perception of ZIKV risk compared to WNV transmission risk, by the public and vector control personnel. The risk perception of vector control was measured through purposive sampled interviews (24 interviews in 13 states; May 2020–June 2021), while the public’s perception was estimated from news publications (January 2000–December 2020), and Google searches (January 2004–December 2020). Over time, we observed a decrease in the frequency of press reporting and Google searches of both viruses with decreasing annual peaks in the summer. The highest peak of ZIKV news, and searches, surpassed that of WNV. We observed clear differences in the contents of the headlines for both viruses. We propose that the main reason in risk perception differences between the viruses were psychological. Zika infections (mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted) can result in devastating symptoms in fetuses and newborns, observations that frequently appeared in ZIKV-related headlines. Our results highlight the likely influence the news media has on risk perception and the need for public health agencies to play active roles in the conversation, helping disseminate timely and accurate information. Understanding the factors that shape risk perceptions of vector-borne diseases will hopefully lead to better use of resources by providing better guidance.

Effect of Dispositional Optimism on Comparative Risk Perceptions for Developing Aids

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 843-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin R. Fontaine
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
University Students ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Dispositional Optimism ◽  
University Student ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Life Orientation ◽  
Comparative Risk ◽  
Orientation Test

The present study investigated the effects of individual differences along the dimension of dispositional optimism-pessimism on comparative risk perception in relation to the prospect of developing AIDS. 104 university students completed the Life Orientation Test of Scheier and Carver and estimated the likelihood of AIDS happening to themselves and the average university student. A split at the median on the Life Orientation Test divided subjects into optimists and pessimists. Dispositional optimists and pessimists rated their own likelihood of developing AIDS as less than that of the average student. Moreover, subjects classified as optimistic and pessimistic did not differ significantly in their ratings of comparative risk perception.

scholarly journals Assessment of Environmental Attitudes and Risk Perceptions among University Students in Mersin, Turkey

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Yapici ◽  
Oya Ögenler ◽  
Ahmet Öner Kurt ◽  
Fazıl Koçaş ◽  
Tayyar Şaşmaz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Environmental Attitudes ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Environmental Risk Perception

Background. Environmental destruction is one of the most important problems in this century. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the environmental attitudes and perceived risks associated with environmental factors of the students. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 faculties of Mersin University. The research data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the “Environmental Attitudes Scale,” and the “Environmental Risk Perception Scale.” 774 students who filled out questionnaires were evaluated. Results. The sample included 55.8% females. Environmental Attitudes Scale mean scores of students were identified as 81.1±11.3. The highest perceived risk was release of radioactive materials associated with nuclear power generation. The environmental attitudes and risk perception scores were higher in Health Sciences than in the other faculties. Females were more positive towards the environment and had higher risk perceptions than the men. There is a negative correlation between age and resource depletion risk and global environmental risk score. Conclusion. Students had a positive attitude to the environment and had moderate-level risk perception about the environment. Environmental awareness of students, especially those studying in the Social Sciences, should be increased. The environmental education curriculum should be revised throughout all the courses.

scholarly journals PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP PERSEPSI NILAI NASABAH YANG DIMEDIASI OLEH PERSEPSI RISIKO STUDI PADA NASABAH LPD PERERENAN KABUPATEN BADUNG

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 2652
Author(s):  
Ida bagus Surya Wijaya ◽  
Kastawan Mandala
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Service ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
Analysis Technique

The risks faced by customers when using the services of LPD, with attention to and maintain the quality of the company provided to customers will be added value to the LPD. The purpose of this study to determine the effect of service quality on the perception of customer value mediated by risk perception. This research was conducted at LPD Pererenan Kabupaten Badung. The sample used is 100 customers. The technique of this research is purposive sampling and analysis technique used is path analysis technique. Quality of service has a positive and significant impact on the perception of value. Perceptions of risk have a negative and significant impact on the perception of value, which means that when perceived risk perceptions of customers when using LPD services are high, the perception of customer value on LPD is low. Service quality has a negative and significant impact on risk perception. Perceptions of risk mediate the effect of service quality on the perception of customer value positively and significantly, it proves when the quality of service and perception of customer value is high then customer risk perceptions aat using LPD services low. A good LPD business should be able to maintain the quality of service provided to its customers, in terms of service. LPDs should be able to prioritize the interests of LPD customers in financial services LPD, able to establish good service quality and perception of good customer value.   Keywords: service quality, customer perception, risk perception

Risk perceptions, on-farm handling, and food safety practices among egg producing farmers in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwanhatai Thongpalad ◽  
Sushil Koirala ◽  
Anil Kumar Anal
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

PurposeSafe food from animal origins rely on preventive measures adopted at the farm level. However, farmers' awareness on the food safety risk is limited, affecting their on-farm activities. Thus, this study was conducted to assess and compare the farmers' perceptions on food safety issues and risks caused by the management and practices at layer farms.Design/methodology/approachFarmers from 143 farms certified by National Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard and 59 non-GAP farms were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for risk perception evaluation. Their level of perceived risk was compared using a scoring system.FindingsThe food safety hazards in eggs seem to be fairly recognized by both groups of farmers. GAP farmers demonstrated a higher risk of food safety incidences caused by inappropriate management and practices in farms than non-GAP farmers (p < 0.001). Although the results did not confirm the strong connection between risk perception and risk reduction behavior, these findings are beneficial to the food safety policy implementers to evaluate the critical issues for risk communication and for knowledge dissemination activities. The influence of other internal and external factors on farmers' food safety-related behavior should be further investigated.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact limitation was identified due to the restriction of scope on a specific population and region. The target respondents did not cover all scales, especially the backyard and smallholder farmers nor other rearing systems, such as free-range productions.Originality/valueThe knowledge regarding the food safety practices by egg producing farmers in Thailand is limited. Notably, this study contributes to the literature in elucidating the preventive behavior of food handlers and all stakeholders in the Thai food supply chain. The implementations of food safety preventive measures by two groups of farmers, GAP-certified and non-GAP-certified farmers, will guide policymakers to intervene more successfully regarding the appropriate changes needed.

The influence of perceived risk on brand addiction: A research on cosmetics products

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 164-171
Author(s):  
Ahmet Gurbuz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Quality Image ◽  
Product Risk ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
The Relationship

Consumers prefer certain brands like price, quality, image, environment and personal expectations, and therefore it is important to determine the reasons that are effective in brand loyalty in terms of both producers and intermediary institutions. In recent years, there have been many studies on brand loyalty. Investigations are generally carried out on the condition of showing brand affiliation and on the stages of the formation of this commitment. The relationship between consumers’ risk perceptions of cosmetic products and brand dependency will be examined in our research. This study aiming to determine the effect of consumers’ cosmetic product risk perception on brand dependency will be realised in Karabuk. Within the scope of the research, the data obtained by the questionnaire method will be analyzed with statistical methods and interpreted in tables. Keywords: Perceived risk, brand, brand dependence.

scholarly journals Associations among anxiety, risk perception, preventive behaviors, and personality in Japanese older adults aged 78 to 99 years during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Muto ◽  
Yasuyuki Gondo ◽  
Ayaka Kasuga ◽  
Takeshi Nakagawa ◽  
Yoshiko Lily Ishioka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Fatality Risk ◽  
Japanese Older Adults

Objectives: To deepen the understanding of processes underlying older adults’ behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated associations among affective (anxiety about the coronavirus), cognitive (perceived risk of infection and fatality), and behavioral (engagement in preventive behaviors) variables. We also examined how these variables were predicted by personality traits measured before the pandemic.Method: Older adults (N = 1,727; 78–99 years-old) were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal cohort study started in 2010. They responded to a questionnaire sent in August 2020, which included 4 items measuring COVID-19 anxiety, infection risk perception, fatality risk perception, and engagement in preventive behaviors. Big Five personality traits were measured years ago when the participants had first participated in the study.Results: Most participants felt anxious, engaged in preventive behaviors, and overestimated infection and fatality risks. Older age was associated with low anxiety, a low perception of infection risk, a high perception of fatality risk, and a little engagement in preventive behaviors. Women were more susceptible to the pandemic than men were, demonstrated by higher scores on all four items. Partial correlation analysis controlling for age and sex demonstrated positive associations among all four items except for infection risk perception and preventive behaviors. Anxiety and perceived infection risk were positively predicted by neuroticism and conscientiousness, respectively. Engagement in preventive behaviors was positively predicted by extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness.Discussion: We highlighted the critical distinction between infection and fatality risk perceptions and demonstrated the need to consider each individual’s attributes.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Risk Perception Among U.S. Adults: Changes from February to May 2020

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amyn A Malik ◽  
SarahAnn M McFadden ◽  
Jad A Elharake ◽  
Obianuju Genevieve Aguolu ◽  
Mehr Shafiq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
The U.S

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to detrimentally impact the United States. Using a survey, we collected demographic and COVID-19 risk perception, behavior, knowledge, and attitude data from 672 adults across the U.S. in May 2020. These variables were compared with the results from a survey in February 2020. Participants who were older (55+ years; M = 6.3, SD = 2.0), identified as Native American/Alaska Native (M = 6.8, SD = 1.0) or Asian (M = 6.0, SD = 2.0), and those who had contracted (M = 6.8, SD = 2.0) or knew someone who had contracted COVID-19 (M = 6.2, SD = 1.7) reported higher perceived risk. Health behaviors, such as physical distancing, have shown to impact infectious disease trajectories. As the U.S. reopens its economy, public health officials and politicians must formulate culturally appropriate and evidence-based messaging and policies, based on the public's COVID-19 risk perceptions, to encourage preventive behaviors.

Dismissing “Don’t Know” Responses to Perceived Risk Survey Items Threatens the Validity of Theoretical and Empirical Behavior-Change Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 174569162110178
Author(s):  
Erika A. Waters ◽  
Marc T. Kiviniemi ◽  
Jennifer L. Hay ◽  
Heather Orom
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Targeted Intervention ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
Empirical Risk ◽  
Volitional Behavior ◽  
Don't Know Responses ◽  
The U.S

Since the middle of the 20th century, perceptions of risk have been critical to understanding engagement in volitional behavior change. However, theoretical and empirical risk perception research seldom considers the possibility that risk perceptions do not simply exist: They must be formed. Thus, some people may not have formulated a perception of risk for a hazard at the time a researcher asks them, or they may not be confident in the extent to which their perception matches reality. We describe a decade-long research program that investigates the possibility that some people may genuinely not know their risk of even well-publicized hazards. We demonstrate that indications of not knowing (i.e., “don’t know” responses) are prevalent in the U.S. population, are systematically more likely to occur among marginalized sociodemographic groups, and are associated with less engagement in protective health behaviors. “Don’t know” responses are likely indications of genuinely limited knowledge and therefore may indicate populations in need of targeted intervention. This body of research suggests that not allowing participants to indicate their uncertainty may threaten the validity and generalizability of behavior-change research. We provide concrete recommendations for scientists to allow participants to express uncertainty and to analyze the resulting data.

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