Risk perception and movies: a study of availability as a factor in risk perception.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Media Studies
• Risk Communication

Background:

• The availability principle by Tversky and Kahneman is a common explanation for media effects on risk perception.
• Previous research has yielded inconsistent support for the availability principle in media contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate whether entertainment media depicting dramatic risks influences risk perception.
• To differentiate between effects attributable to the availability heuristic versus new information.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study was conducted where participants viewed entertainment movies featuring dramatic risk events.
• Perceived risks, mood, and credibility of the movies were assessed.
• Risk perception was re-evaluated after a 10-day period.

Main Results:

• The movies did not produce significant average effects on perceived risks, despite causing notable mood changes and being perceived as credible.
• Evidence of idiosyncratic effects was observed, with immediate, temporary enhancements or diminutions in risk beliefs post-viewing.
• These immediate reactions in risk perception had largely dissipated within 10 days.

Conclusions:

• Entertainment media's impact on risk perception may be less direct than suggested by the availability heuristic.
• Mood effects and individual, short-lived reactions are more prominent than sustained changes in risk beliefs after viewing dramatic content.
• The findings suggest a need to refine models of media effects on risk perception, considering factors beyond simple information availability.