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Seeking information about enhanced geothermal systems: The role of fairness, uncertainty, systematic processing, and information engagement intentions

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  • Lu, Hang
  • Song, Hwanseok
  • McComas, Katherine

Abstract

Despite potential benefits emerging energy technologies usually promise, the public often meets them with skepticism, resistance, or even outright rejection. In this study, we investigated the potential role communication plays in the early stages of opinion formation. In particular, we examined the relationships among message framing, information processing, communication motivation, and information seeking. Building on work examining uncertainty reduction, fairness, risk communication, and the theory of planned behaviors, we conducted an experiment in which a sample of U.S. adults (N = 1042) were led to believe that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) would be developed in their local community. Participants received initial information varying in degrees of uncertainty and procedural fairness about the EGS development. Subsequently, we offered them an opportunity to read additional articles about EGS, which was operationalized as actual information seeking behaviors. We found that predictors, such as affect, norm, current knowledge, and information need, explained information engagement intentions, which further predicted actual information seeking behaviors. In addition, systematic processing of the initial EGS information, perceived uncertainty, and perceived fairness had direct relations with actual information seeking. The discussion provides theoretical and practical implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu, Hang & Song, Hwanseok & McComas, Katherine, 2021. "Seeking information about enhanced geothermal systems: The role of fairness, uncertainty, systematic processing, and information engagement intentions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 855-864.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:169:y:2021:i:c:p:855-864
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.01.031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McComas, Katherine A. & Lu, Hang & Keranen, Katie M. & Furtney, Maria A. & Song, Hwansuck, 2016. "Public perceptions and acceptance of induced earthquakes related to energy development," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 27-32.
    2. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    3. Enes Hoşgör & Jay Apt & Baruch Fischhoff, 2013. "Incorporating seismic concerns in site selection for enhanced geothermal power generation," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(8), pages 1021-1036, September.
    4. Katherine A. McComas & John C. Besley & Zheng Yang, 2008. "Risky Business: Perceived Behavior of Local Scientists and Community Support for Their Research," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(6), pages 1539-1552, December.
    5. Ellen Ter Huurne & Jan Gutteling, 2008. "Information needs and risk perception as predictors of risk information seeking," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(7), pages 847-862, October.
    6. Soane, Emma & Schubert, Iljana & Lunn, Rebecca & Pollard, Simon, 2015. "The relationship between information processing style and information seeking, and its moderation by affect and perceived usefulness: analysis vs. procrastination," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 59704, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    7. LeeAnn Kahlor & Sharon Dunwoody & Robert J. Griffin & Kurt Neuwirth & James Giese, 2003. "Studying Heuristic‐Systematic Processing of Risk Communication," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 23(2), pages 355-368, April.
    8. Katherine A McComas & John C. Besley, 2011. "Fairness and Nanotechnology Concern," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(11), pages 1749-1761, November.
    9. Lind, E. Allan & Kray, Laura & Thompson, Leigh, 2001. "Primacy Effects in Justice Judgments: Testing Predictions from Fairness Heuristic Theory," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 85(2), pages 189-210, July.
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    2. Helena Schmidt & Gerdien de Vries & Reint Jan Renes & Roland Schmehl, 2022. "The Social Acceptance of Airborne Wind Energy: A Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-24, February.

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