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Q method can identify diverse perspectives on 'helpful' information on cancer clusters and inform risk communication generally

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  • Branden B. Johnson
  • Lynn Waishwell

Abstract

Communication by state public health agencies about cancer clusters is complicated by divergent official and citizen beliefs about causation (e.g. chance versus environmental pollution). We use Q method, rarely applied in the risk field, to explore disparate perspectives on what people deem helpful and unhelpful in background (not site-specific) information about cancer clusters. Q method identified five unique perspectives, with low inter-factor correlations: Cancer Causation, Best Information, Cancer Frequency, Study Success, and Empathy/Competence. Besides discussing implications of these perspectives for improving communication about cancer clusters, we use this case to illustrate Q method's more general ability to represent variability in attitudes about risk and risk information and to improve risk communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Branden B. Johnson & Lynn Waishwell, 2014. "Q method can identify diverse perspectives on 'helpful' information on cancer clusters and inform risk communication generally," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(9), pages 1125-1145, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:17:y:2014:i:9:p:1125-1145
    DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2013.879491
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Craig W. Trumbo, 1999. "Heuristic‐Systematic Information Processing and Risk Judgment," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(3), pages 391-400, June.
    2. Chess, C. & Salomone, K.L. & Sandman, P.M., 1991. "Risk communication activities of state health agencies," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 81(4), pages 489-491.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nadine Lehrer & Gretchen Sneegas, 2018. "Beyond polarization: using Q methodology to explore stakeholders’ views on pesticide use, and related risks for agricultural workers, in Washington State’s tree fruit industry," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 35(1), pages 131-147, March.

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