Whose reality counts? Factors affecting the perception of volcanic risk

Haynes, Katharine, Barclay, Jenni ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6122-197X and Pidgeon, Nick (2008) Whose reality counts? Factors affecting the perception of volcanic risk. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 172 (3-4). pp. 259-272.

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Abstract

Understanding how people perceive risk has become increasingly important for improving risk communication and reducing risk associated conflicts. This paper builds upon findings, methodologies and lessons learned from other fields to help understand differences between scientists, authorities and the public. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse underlying attitudes and judgements during an ongoing volcanic crisis on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. Specific differences between the public, authorities and scientists were found to have been responsible for misunderstandings and misinterpretations of information and roles, resulting in differing perceptions of acceptable risk. Difficulties in the articulation and understanding of uncertainties pertaining to the volcanic risk led to a situation in which the roles of hazard monitoring, risk communication and public protection became confused. In addition, social, economic and political forces were found to have distorted risk messages, leading to a public reliance upon informal information networks. The implications of these findings for volcanic risk management and communication are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Geosciences Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Volcanoes@UEA (former - to 2018) Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Geosciences and Natural Hazards (former - to 2017)
Depositing User:	Rosie Cullington
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2011 11:36
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2023 12:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/24800
DOI:	10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2007.12.012

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