Integrating Research on Perceived and Acceptable Risk within the Psychometric Paradigm

摘要

Research on perceived and acceptable risk has two main objectives. One is to develop an understanding of the fundamental laws governing individuals' perceptions and their behaviors in situations of risk. The second is to help individuals and society make better decisions about risks. A major approach to the study of perceived and acceptable risk has employed psychophysical scaling methods nd multivariate analysis to produce quantitative representations of people's attitudes and perceptions. The specific goals of this project were to: develop an integrated perspective on current research within the psychometric paradigm; identify the consistent substantive conclusions emerging from current and past research; enhance the effectiveness of current research programs; set the stage for better communication and increased collaboration among researchers in the future; and identify future research needs and establish priorities for future research. The focal point of the project was a workshop held in Eugene, Oregon on December 11-13, 1980, which brought researchers in this field together for intensive discussions of key methodological and substantive issues in risk perception research.