Can We Apply the Psychology of Risk Perception to Increase Earthquake Preparation

摘要: Can we encourage people to prepare for a natural disaster by altering the way that scientific information about risk is presented? In assessing posed particular hazard, tend be guided more strongly their emotional reactions than logical or statistical analysis; human beings are driven protect themselves from risks they have actually experienced, easy envision, linked vivid, concrete images. Thus, even if recognize earthquakes pose an important threat, may unmotivated take action this abstract in absence of direct personal experience. Harnessing past research and theorizing, developed novel intervention transform into emotionally evocative imagery. pre-registered study, 411 participants were shown publicly available statistics scientifically-grounded image what local school would look like after major earthquake. When invited sign petition make schools safer, 77.3% agreed looking at compared 68% who statistics. These findings suggest using vivid images communicate can effective strategy motivating support mitigation initiatives.