Community attitudes toward a proposed nuclear power generating facility as a function of expected outcomes

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · J. Commuity Psychol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/1520-6629(197707)5:3<199::AID-JCOP2290050302>3.0.CO;2-W· OSTI ID:6810680

Sundstrom, E ^[1]; Lounsbury, J W; Schuller, C R; Fowler, J R; Mattingly, Jr, T J

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1. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville

The relationship between attitudes toward a proposed nuclear power generating facility and the outcomes expected to accompany it are examined. In a survey of 350 residents of a small rural community, approximately 2/3 expressed favorable attitudes toward the proposed nuclear plant. A principal components factor analysis of the anticipated likelihoods of outcomes of the plant revealed five factors: hazards, economic growth, lower costs, social disruption, and community visibility. Using these factors as predictors, a simple multiple regression equation accounted for 52% of the variation in attitudes toward the plant. The strongest predictor was the perceived likelihood of hazards. These findings are discussed in terms of the relationship between attitudes and expectations, and in relation to decisions regarding public policy.

• OSTI ID: 6810680
• Journal Information: J. Commuity Psychol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Commuity Psychol.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN JCPSD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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