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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we're going to discuss risk perception. How do you think people view risks differently?
I think it depends on how likely something is to happen.
That's correct! It's about the probability of an event and the consequences. Can anyone give me an example?
Like how people fear earthquakes more than droughts, even if droughts happen more often.
Exactly! Earthquakes happen less frequently, but when they do, they can have disastrous effects. We call this the 'high probability, low consequence' versus 'low probability, high consequence' scenario.
But if people feel they can control a risk, does that change how they perceive it?
Yes, it does! If people believe they can mitigate a risk, they often perceive it as less threatening. Remember 'control equals comfort.'
So, familiarity makes us less worried?
Precisely! If we encounter something frequently, we tend to normalize it. Great insights, everyone. Let's summarize: Risk perception is influenced by probability, consequence, feelings of control, and familiarity.
Now, let's move on to how blame plays a part in risk perception. Why do you think people look for someone to blame when a disaster occurs?
Maybe it makes them feel better to have a target?
Good point! Blaming helps to restore a sense of fairness. If they perceive someone is profiting while others suffer, they see the risk as higher.
So, perception of fairness is important?
Absolutely! Unfair situations amplify feelings of risk. Can anyone think of an instance where blame played a crucial role?
In disasters like floods, if people think city officials are responsible for poor infrastructure, they are more likely to feel it's a serious risk.
Excellent example! Remember that emotional reactions can greatly enhance perceived risk. It's all about fairness and who is held accountable.
So, to wrap up, understanding blame can help explain why some risks seem more serious than others?
Precisely! Always remember: Blame affects perception of risk.
Let's switch gears and examine how the media influences perceptions of risk. What do you think is the most important factor for media outlets in covering a risk?
I believe they focus on how many people are affected.
Very true! Media often emphasizes casualties rather than the event's probability, which can distort public understanding. Why might they do that?
Maybe they want to attract more viewers with exciting stories?
Exactly. Stories that evoke emotions tend to attract more attention. Consider the Chernobyl disaster versus the Tangshan earthquake.
Right! Chernobyl got a lot more media coverage despite having fewer deaths.
Exactly! It's important to understand how such discrepancies affect our perception. So, in summary: Media influence is a key factor in shaping risk perception.
If it's predictable, and not severe, we often think, 'There’s nothing to fear!'
Imagine a village where droughts are common; the people ignore it, thinking, 'It won't harm us.' But when a sudden earthquake strikes far away, they realize risks can come in different ways.
Remember the acronym P-B-C-F: Probability, Blame, Consequence, Familiarity—these factors shape risk perception!
Use 'DREAF' to remember: Dread, Responsibility, Equity, Availability, Familiarity—key elements in understanding risk.
Term
What is 'risk perception'?
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Term
How does blame attribution affect risk perception?
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The subjective judgment regarding the risk associated with a particular hazard.
The process of identifying a cause for a risk or disaster and determining responsibility.
Events that are likely to occur but typically result in minor impacts.
Events that may occur very infrequently but can have severe impacts.
The extent to which an individual has encountered a given risk before and how that shapes perception.
This section explores how perceptions of risk are influenced by factors such as likelihood, consequences, context, and the ability to assign blame.
The section discusses how individuals perceive risks differently based on the probability of occurrence and potential consequences, along with factors such as personal control, familiarity, and the tendency to assign blame to external entities like authorities.
This section delves into the complex interplay between perceptions of risk, fairness, and blame in evaluating disasters. It begins by exploring how casualty figures sway public opinion; higher casualty events tend to be viewed as riskier, regardless of actual probabilities of less frequent but severe disasters. For instance, an annual drought (high probability, low consequence) may be deemed less threatening compared to a rare earthquake with catastrophic effects (low probability, high consequence).
Factors influencing risk perception are identified, including:
The discussion extends to the role of media as risk transmitters, noting how their focus shapes public understanding of risk. The media may prioritize sensationalized stories and significant casualties over more frequent but lesser events, affecting public perceptions of risk and responsibility.