The Expert-Lay Differences in Risk Perception

TitleThe Expert-Lay Differences in Risk Perception
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsWang, Juan, and Zhiqiang Hu
JournalStudies in Dialectics of Nature
Volume30
Issue1
Pagination49-53
Abstract

The frequent occurrence of risk events with serious consequences has caused widespread concern in the community. Policy makers, experts, media and the public perceptions of risk are different; especially experts ’ perceptions of risk differ systematically from those of the public. Studies have shown that factors affecting the expert-lay different perceptions of risk are not only knowledge but also other factors. This paper reviews the previous empirical researches about experts and public differences in risk perception and summarizes the affecting factors, such as values, life experiences, social roles, risk perception bias and the common in differences, so as to overcome obstacles in risk communication and provide some inspirations for good risk communication.