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Article
Seeking and Processing Information about Impersonal Risk
Science Communication
  • Lee Ann Kahlor, University of Texas at Austin
  • Sharon Dunwoody, University of Wisconsin - Madison
  • Robert Griffin, Marquette University
  • Kurt Neuwirth, University of Cincinnati
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
32 p.
Publication Date
12-1-2006
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1177/1075547006293916
Disciplines
Abstract

Attempts to model risk response tend to focus on risks that pose a direct personal threat. This study examined the applicability of one risk response model to impersonal risks—risks that threaten something other than the self, in this case, the environment. This study utilized a section of the Griffin et al. risk-information seeking and processing model, which depicts relationships between informational subjective norms and information seeking and processing as being mediated by perceptions of information insufficiency. The results indicate that while those relationships do hold for impersonal risk, informational subjective norms (perceived social pressure to be informed) may play an even more complex role than initially anticipated. These norms may be a powerful predictor of seeking and processing when individuals face impersonal risks.

Comments

Science Communication, Vol. 28, No. 2 (December 2006): 163-194. DOI.

Citation Information
Lee Ann Kahlor, Sharon Dunwoody, Robert Griffin and Kurt Neuwirth. "Seeking and Processing Information about Impersonal Risk" Science Communication (2006) ISSN: 1075-5470
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_griffin/35/