Source
The affect heuristic: the role of the affective states in risk perception
30.09.2018
Early studies within the psychometric paradigm of Fischhoff, Slovic, and colleagues (Fischhoff et al., 1978) demonstrated that the perception of dread is the most important variable in predicting risk across various hazards. Similarly, Sandman (1989) argued, based on his research, that the reliance on outrage is what differs public from experts when it comes to risk assessment. These and similar findings suggest that affective processes play a great role in risk perception and that they have little to do with possible risky outcomes and their probabilities. This extensive work on the role of affect in risk perception led to the introduction of the term “the affect heuristic” (Slovic, Finucane, Peters, & MacGregor, 2002). The affect heuristic describes the role of the affective states that are less specific and intense than specific emotions (for example, fear and anger) in risk perception. These subtle feelings are called affect, and they refer to both: (i) experienced positive or negative feelings, and (ii) positive or negative quality of stimulus.
Note: See source document for full reference.
Applicable to:
Cultural Factors: Worldviews
Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards
Disaster Phases: Prevention
Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens
Recommendations: