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Public trust in sources of information about radiation risks in the UK

Author

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  • Stephen Hunt
  • Lynn J. Frewer

Abstract

Perceptions of trust have been identified as important in the risk communication process. This research is concerned with establishing the degree of trust non-experts in radiation place in various sources of information about different radiation hazards. Participants were asked directly about the degree to which they would trust information about radiation risks from a variety of sources, including a totally fictitious source included as a control. They were also asked about the degree to which they believed each source had a vested interest in misinforming the public about the risks from radiation, and the degree of knowledge they believed each source had about the risks from radiation. The results indicated that while perceptions of 'vested interest' and 'degree of knowledge' are important elements in determining levels of trust, neither by itself is sufficient to guarantee high degrees of trust in any given source. The fictitious source received a very high degree of knowledge rating. These findings are discussed in terms of the impact the name of a source alone can have on perceptions of trust in a risk information source, and implications for developing effective risk communication about radiation risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Hunt & Lynn J. Frewer, 1999. "Public trust in sources of information about radiation risks in the UK," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(2), pages 167-180.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:2:y:1999:i:2:p:167-180
    DOI: 10.1080/136698799376916
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Branden B. Johnson, 2012. "Experience with Urban Air Pollution in Paterson, New Jersey and Implications for Air Pollution Communication," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(1), pages 39-53, January.
    2. Timothy C. Earle, 2004. "Thinking Aloud about Trust: A Protocol Analysis of Trust in Risk Management," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(1), pages 169-183, February.
    3. Annukka Vainio & Riikka Paloniemi & Vilja Varho, 2017. "Weighing the Risks of Nuclear Energy and Climate Change: Trust in Different Information Sources, Perceived Risks, and Willingness to Pay for Alternatives to Nuclear Power," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 37(3), pages 557-569, March.
    4. Michael Siegrist & Timothy C. Earle & Heinz Gutscher, 2003. "Test of a Trust and Confidence Model in the Applied Context of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Risks," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 23(4), pages 705-716, August.
    5. Ngar-yin Mah, Daphne & Hills, Peter, 2014. "Participatory governance for energy policy-making: A case study of the UK nuclear consultation in 2007," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 340-351.
    6. Stacey M. Conchie & Calvin Burns, 2009. "Improving occupational safety: using a trusted information source to communicate about risk," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 13-25, January.
    7. Alex G. Stewart & Paolo Luria & John Reid & Mary Lyons & Richard Jarvis, 2010. "Real or Illusory? Case Studies on the Public Perception of Environmental Health Risks in the North West of England," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-21, March.
    8. Mah, Daphne Ngar-yin & Hills, Peter & Tao, Julia, 2014. "Risk perception, trust and public engagement in nuclear decision-making in Hong Kong," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 368-390.

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