Bruine de Bruin, W, Parker, AM and Maurer, J (2011) Assessing small non-zero perceptions of chance: The case of H1N1 (swine) flu risks. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 42 (2). 145 - 159 . ISSN 0895-5646
Abstract
Feelings of invulnerability, seen in judgments of 0% risk, can reflect misunderstandings of risk and risk behaviors, suggesting increased need for risk communication. However, judgments of 0% risk may be given by individuals who feel invulnerable, and by individuals who are rounding from small non-zero probabilities. We examined the effect of allowing participants to give more precise responses in the 0-1% range on the validity of reported probability judgments. Participants assessed probabilities for getting H1N1 influenza and dying from it conditional on infection, using a 0-100% visual linear scale. Those responding in the 0-1% range received a follow-up question with more options in that range. This two-step procedure reduced the use of 0% and increased the resolution of responses in the 0-1% range. Moreover, revised probability responses improved predictions of attitudes and self-reported behaviors. Hence, our two-step procedure allows for more precise and more valid measurement of perceived invulnerability.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Business (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2012 14:22 |
Last Modified: | 03 Nov 2016 18:32 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11166-011-9113-5 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s11166-011-9113-5 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:74531 |