Risk Perception and Risk Reality

Risk Perception and Risk Reality
Adapted from Hong, Diamond Bar High School

We all face risks in our everyday lives. Often, we do not accurately perceive the level of risk we introduce into our lives when we engage in an activity, or we believe the possibility of an event such as an earthquake introduces far more or less risk in our lives than it warrants. In this activity, you will survey friends and family to find out how they perceive various risks. You will also collaborate on the compilation and analysis of data collected by a team. The survey is on the back of this paper.

Data Analysis:
Before Class:
Before you come to class, record the average of each row of data as instructed in the survey.

For the survey you conducted, plot all three averages on the same side of the same piece of graph paper. Plot the actual risk on the y-axis and the perceived risk on the x-axis. Label each graph, and each point on each graph with the identity of the risk it represents.

In Class:
Combine your data with the rest of your team member's data and determine your team average for each age group and all respondents for each row of data.

As a team, on a piece of graph paper, plot all three averages on the same side of the same piece of graph paper. Plot the actual risk on the y-axis and the perceived risk on the x-axis. Label each graph, and each point on each graph with the identity of the risk it represents.

Write:

Write a thoughtful, insightful and logical discussion of the results of your team's surveys. Include explanations for large differences between actual and perceived risk, as well as for relatively accurate perceptions of risk.

The Survey

Conduct the following survey twelve times. Do not allow the person being surveyed to see the responses of others. Do not survey anyone younger than 16 years of age. Do not survey anyone who has already been surveyed by an APES student (ask them first). Thank respondents for their participation.
Record the respondent's name at the top of the column. Use the last three columns of the survey to average the results of (1) individuals 25 years of age and under, (2) individuals 26 years of age and older, and (3) the average of all respondents.

"Please rate the following risks on a one to ten scale: a ten being an activity or event which you perceive as a great risk to citizens of the United States, and a one being an activity or event which you perceive as a minor risk to citizens of the United States."
Initials of participant --
Age -- / ..... / .... / .... / .... / .... / .... / .... / .... / ..... / ..... / .... / .... / Avg
26- / Avg
26+ / Avg
All
Becoming infected with AIDS / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Alcohol use / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Being born male / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Being severely overweight (35%) / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Being slightly overweight (15%) / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Driving an automobile / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Drowning / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Drug abuse / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Flying commercial airlines / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Living in poverty / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Living near nuclear plant / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Remaining unmarried all your life / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Living with smoker / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Being exposed to medical X-rays / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Natural disaster (tornado, etc.) / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Natural radiation / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Exposure to air pollution / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Exposure to pesticide residue on food / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Structural fires / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Tobacco use / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Exposure to toxic waste / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .
Use of oral contraceptives / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / . / .

Actual Risk Analysis Data

Hazard / Risk*
(1 -10)
AIDS / 0.2497
alcohol use / 0.4162
being born male / 7.5000
being severely overweight (35%) / 6.0000
being slightly overweight (15%) / 2.0000
driving an automobile / 0.5826
drowning / 0.0832
drug abuse / 0.3329
flying commerical airlines / 0.0027
living in poverty / 10.0000
living lifetime near nuclear plant / 0.0011
living unmarried all your life / 5.0000
living with a smoker / 1.0000
medical X-rays / 0.0137
natural disasters / 0.0027
natural radiation / 0.0219
outdoor air pollution / 0.4162
pesticide residue on foods / 0.0832
structural fires / 0.0832
tobacco use / 6.0000
toxic waste / 0.0110
using oral contraceptives / 0.0137

*Comparison of relative risks that people face, expressed on a 10 points scale with Poverty being 10.
Based on Figure 17-14 (p.460) in Miller's Living in the Environment, 11th edition.