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Designing Risk Communications: Completing and Correcting Mental Models of Hazardous Processes, Part I

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  • Cynthia J. Atman
  • Ann Bostrom
  • Baruch Fischhoff
  • M. Granger Morgan

Abstract

Many risk communications are intended to help the lay public make complex decisions about risk. To guide risk communicators with this objective, a mental models approach to the design and characterization of risk communications is proposed. Building on text comprehension and mental models research, this approach offers an integrated set of methods to help the risk communication designer choose and analyze risk communication content, structure, and organization. An applied example shows that two radon brochures designed with this approach present roughly the same expert facts as a radon brochure widely distributed by the U.S. EPA but meet higher standards on other content, structure, and organization criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Cynthia J. Atman & Ann Bostrom & Baruch Fischhoff & M. Granger Morgan, 1994. "Designing Risk Communications: Completing and Correcting Mental Models of Hazardous Processes, Part I," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(5), pages 779-788, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:14:y:1994:i:5:p:779-788
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.1994.tb00289.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ann Bostrom & Cynthia J. Atman & Baruch Fischhoff & M. Granger Morgan, 1994. "Evaluating Risk Communications: Completing and Correcting Mental Models of Hazardous Processes, Part II," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(5), pages 789-798, October.
    2. Tamara R. Lave & Lester B. Lave, 1991. "Public Perception of the Risks of Floods: Implications for Communication," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(2), pages 255-267, June.
    3. Michael Maharik & Baruch Fischhoff, 1992. "The Risks of Using Nuclear Energy Sources in Space: Some Lay Activists’Perceptions," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 12(3), pages 383-392, September.
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