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Updated: Aug 14, 2025
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Published on: September 19, 2012
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Do colored cells in risk matrices affect decision-making and risk perception? Insights from randomized controlled
Ruri Proto1, Gabriel Recchia1, Sarah Dryhurst1,2
1Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Summary
Color in risk matrices can bias decision-making, especially for individuals with higher numeracy. Researchers recommend avoiding color in risk matrices for unbiased risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Decision Science
- Risk Management
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Risk matrices are common tools for visualizing risk likelihood and impact.
- The influence of color on risk matrix interpretation remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of color on decision-making within risk matrices.
- To test the 'boundary-crossing effect' hypothesis, where color boundaries influence risk perception.
Main Methods:
- Two randomized controlled studies were conducted.
- Utilized forced-choice and willingness-to-pay measures to assess decision-making.
- Examined two distinct color formats for risk matrices.
Main Results:
- Preliminary evidence supports the hypothesis that color influences decision-making in risk matrices.
- The boundary-crossing effect was observed, suggesting color can lead to sub-optimal choices.
- This effect was more pronounced in individuals with higher numeracy.
Conclusions:
- Color in risk matrices can introduce bias, particularly for highly numerate individuals.
- Designers should consider omitting color from risk matrices to ensure unbiased risk communication.
- This is crucial when the goal is objective risk assessment and mitigation planning.
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