Changes in risk perception over time

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:138388

Gomez, L S ^[1]; Jenkins-Smith, H C; Miller, K W ^[2]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
2. New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The focus of this paper is on changes in perceptions of the risks associated with nuclear waste management over time. In particular, we are interested in the kinds of change that take place when the management programs, and those who are charged with implementing them, are subject to intensive public debate over an extended period of time. We are undertaken an over-time study of perceived risks in Colorado and New Mexico by implementing sequential random household surveys in each state, timed at six month intervals. This study employs three of these surveys, spanning the period from summer, 1990 to summer, 1991. Using these data, we examine the dynamics that may underlie variations in perceived risks over time. In particular, our analysis is focused on changes in the roles played by (1) basic political orientations (i.e. political ideology) and (2) trust in those who advocate conflicting policy positions.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 138388
• Report Number(s): SAND--91-2266C; CONF-920260--3; ON: DE92011180
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COLORADO
DATA ANALYSIS
HAZARDS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
NEW MEXICO
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC POLICY
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SURVEYS
WASTE TRANSPORTATION
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Yucca Mountain Project