Intuitive risk perception : research results of attitude surveys toward risk and technology

Abstract

The results of the perception investigations give a clear indication of the way in which people intuitively perceive risk sources. Most people have generally reliable beliefs about the average loss rates from various risks, which howeverunlike scientists and actuaries - they do not regard as a criterion for risk assessment. On the one hand the accompanying circumstances of the hazardous situations and on the other the expected consequences for general social, economic and future-orientated interests are of central significance for them. In addition personal attitudes towards hazardous circumstances and general value beliefs according to the degree of political polarization - which vary from individual to individual - play a role which must not be underestimated.