2.4. Challenges in Risk Communication

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is risk perception?

   Hint

   Think about how people assess risks.

2. 2.

   Name a factor that influences how we perceive risk.

   Hint

   Consider what makes a risk seem more serious.

3. 3.

   What are characteristics used to assess risks?

   • Frequency
   • Consequence
   • Both A and B

   Hint

   Think about both how common and how serious risks are.

4. 4.

   True or False: Familiarity with a risk makes us perceive it as more dangerous.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember how we react differently to familiar situations.

5. 5.

   Analyze a recent natural disaster in terms of media reporting and public perception. Discuss the factors that affected how the risk was perceived by the public.

   Hint

   Consider both frequency and focus of coverage.

6. 6.

   Discuss how personal experience of risks, such as living in an earthquake-prone area, can alter one's view of risk compared to someone living in a low-risk area.

   Hint

   Think about your feelings about risks based on where you live.