Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
CERC as a theoretical framework for research and practice
Shari Veil1, Barbara Reynolds, Timothy L Sellnow
1Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA. Shari.Veil@ou.edu
Abstract:
Health communicators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed an integrated model titled Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) as a tool to educate and equip public health professionals for the expanding communication responsibilities of public health in emergency situations. This essay focuses on CERC as a general theoretical framework for explaining how health communication functions within the contexts of risk and crisis. Specifically, the authors provide an overview of CERC and examine the relationship of risk communication to crisis communication, the role of communication in emergency response, and the theoretical underpinnings of CERC. The article offers an initial set of propositions based on the CERC framework and concludes with a discussion of future directions.
Related Concept Videos
Models, Theories, and Laws
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Humanistic Psychology
This approach...
Ethics in Research
