Risk Perception and Risk Communication

Specialization within: Safety, Reliability and Maintenance

Risk perception is an internationally broad and multidisciplinary research area with roots in the discussion on "social acceptability" of risk in the 1970s. Central themes in the course involve factors related to perceived risk, relationships between emotion and cognition, how information is received and processed by the individual, how people communicate and function in groups, and how individuals and groups are influenced by norms and social frameworks.

Requests for more knowledge and experience on risk communication are associated with prevention of accidents and situations that relate to increased risk to life, health and societal organization. Historic examples include the accidents in Seveso, Three Miles Island and Chernobyl and the situations related to e. g. the outbreak of "mad-cow"-disease and the H1N1 pandemic.

The course reviews theoretical perspectives and communication models related to how people understand and use information, and provides examples from projects and fieldwork for in depth discussions in the group of participants. The exam paper provides an opportunity to choose a theme for own analysis and presentation. An exercise provides concrete and practical experience regarding data collection and communication in focus group work, and the group discusses the results and usefulness of the method.

Knowledge:

The student…

• has gained insight into basic theoretical perspectives related to the risk perception and risk communication areas, as well as ethical issues connected to risk research and societal participation processes
• has an overview of various communication theories

Skills:

The student…

• is able to identify central factors that influence social interactions related to information about risk in society
• is able to implement data and information collections through the use of focus group methodology
• is able to present and reflect upon a chosen theme in a written essay

General competency:

The student understands how knowledge of risk perception and communication related to individuals and groups can be utilized to collect information, plan and carry out safety measures.

The course involves two meetings, each lasting three days. The meetings include lectures and seminars. One of the days will include the focus group exercise.