Risk perception

1. Cite 3 factors that, when present, cause humans to perceive a risk as bigger than it really is. For each, cite two examples: one example of a risk where this factor is present and prominent (and the risk is thus perceived as more important than it really is), and one example where this factor is absent or greatly reduced (and the risk is thus perceived as less important than it really is).

First factor:



Second factor:



Third factor:



Hint: See the factors listed at the very bottom of Fig. 1 of Slovic (1987).

2. The risk of adverse human health effects from a malfunctioning nuclear reactor (such as occurred at Three Mile Island) or from genetically modified crops (as was at issue in Kramer v. Adventis) is extremely small, one could even say neglegible. Yet for both these examples, these risks nevertheless caused very large financial costs. Why? Answer for one example or the other, but not both. (one paragraph answer)

3. A cynic could define environmentalism as "advocacy to reduce risks that are perceived as being much more important than they really are." Indeed, the information in Figure 1 of Slovic supports this definition. Explain. (one paragraph answer)

4. Slovic argues that it was not happenstance that Ralph Nader pursued litigation over exploding gas tanks in Ford Pintos, as compared to litigating over various other structural and mechanical defects that he could have pursued but did not. From the view point of risk perception, why was the exploding gas tank an inviting target for Nader? (one paragraph answer)

5. Is the public's perception of the risk of terrorism larger or smaller than the actual risk? Use the 9/11 attack as your example, and analyze it using the factors cited in Fig. 1 of Slovic. (If this question is used on the exam, Fig. 1 will be attached.)

6. Assume that the goal of terrorists is to employ minimal resources, and yet have a major impact on the functioning of the society they are attacking. In this regard, what types of targets and methods of attack would have the largest social impacts, according to Slovic's framework? Provide examples. Also provide an example of a target and method of attack not commonly employed by terrorists, even though it arguably could be much more deadly than the targets and methods of attack that they do employ.