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Is knowledge important? Empirical research on nuclear risk communication in two countries
Tanja Perko1, Nadja Zeleznik, Catrinel Turcanu
1SCK-CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Mol, Belgium. tperko@sckcen.be
Health Physics
|May 11, 2012
Summary
Enhancing audience knowledge improves acceptance of risk messages but doesn't change risk perception. Effective radiation risk communication requires considering factors beyond knowledge, like attitudes and general risk perception.
Area of Science:
- Risk Communication
- Radiation Protection
- Public Health
Background:
- Audience knowledge is a common goal in risk communication.
- The effectiveness of focusing solely on knowledge enhancement is questioned.
- Other factors influencing risk perception and message acceptance need investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if prior audience knowledge influences radiation risk perception and message acceptance.
- To assess the role of gender, attitudes, general risk perception, confidence in authorities, and proximity to nuclear sites.
- To empirically test these predictors in two distinct international case studies.
Main Methods:
- Two independent case studies were conducted: an iodine pre-distribution campaign in Belgium (N=1035) and a radioactive waste disposal campaign in Slovenia (N=1200).
- Recurrent and intensive communication campaigns were implemented by authorities.
- Audience knowledge, risk perception, attitudes, and demographic factors were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Higher prior audience knowledge correlated with increased willingness to accept communicated messages.
- Prior knowledge did not significantly affect the perception of the specific radiation risk.
- The impact of prior knowledge on message acceptance was comparable to that of general radiation risk perception.
Conclusions:
- Effective risk communication strategies should integrate factors beyond specific knowledge, including general risk perception and audience attitudes.
- Relying solely on knowledge enhancement may not be sufficient for successful risk communication.
- Heuristic predictors play a crucial role in shaping audience responses to risk messages.
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