Open AccessA Review of the Changing Roles of “The Expert†and “The Public†in the Field of Risk Communication
Author(s) -
Amanda D. Boyd
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
stream
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1916-5897
DOI - 10.21810/strm.v4i1.71
Subject(s) - risk communication , risk perception , perception , variety (cybernetics) , field (mathematics) , risk assessment , psychology , public relations , risk management , social psychology , risk analysis (engineering) , business , political science , computer science , computer security , artificial intelligence , finance , mathematics , neuroscience , pure mathematics
Risk perception researchers have begun to shift their focus from examining deliberate, conscious and mechanistic methods of probabilities and payoffs in regards to risk. The emerging paradigm in risk is one that takes into greater account the variety of social contexts that shape risk and the variation in perceptions among individuals and groups. The goal of this manuscript is to review the literature on risk and risk perceptions, focusing specifically on the changing roles of the expert and the public in weighing and communicating risks. I further compare how the public and experts differ when it comes to making judgments about risks and discuss why focusing on the divergent views of risk among experts and the public often hinder fair and effective risk communication.