Values in risk perception - studying the relationship between values and risk perception in three countries

Abstract

Risk perception research has largely focused on finding how di$erent demographic variables predict risk perception dimensions. This article suggests including motivational values among the areas of focus, being a dimension shared across different demographical contexts. The methodology includes established and scrutinised tools from the values and risk perception fields respectively, combining them in a questionnaire. Data were gathered from South Africa, Sweden and the USA. The results support the hypothesis that there is a connection between motivational values and risk perception dimensions. Uses for disaster management are discussed. More advanced statistical methods and qualitative methods are suggested to delve deeper into this area.