Slovic, P 1987, “Perception of Risk”, Science, vol. 236, pp. 280-285.
In Slovic’s journal, “Perception of Risk” allows readers to understand that the perceptions of risk plays an essential part in the decision-making role, whereby there are disagreements of viewing risks from the experts and publics perceptions. The term risk is seen as a concept that people have created to help them understand and be aware of dangers and the uncertainties that life has to offer. For instance, Slovic argues that nuclear power is defined as a dreadful risk due to the lack of control, fatal consequences, and the inequitable distribution of risks and benefits. Hence, this research is conducted to inform the readers about the public‘s perception of risk and reaction to risk.
Seemingly, Slovic tested the community and individual reaction towards a particular risk. His qualitative and quantitative research methods provide a solid argument that risks can be divided into different levels of high to low risks. His methodology allows readers to explore his areas of research that such risks can be positioned according to the unknown risk, dread risk, controllable risk, uncontrollable risk, observable and not observable risk. Slovic’s data did not only prove his findings but also includes several of scientist experts quotes to support his argument. Also, Slovic’s ripple effects findings highlight the reader’s attention to realize that a simple accident can cause a huge impact to other industry and technology. Hence, his scientific discovery portray his strengths in the factor of statistical data are available, his article provides clear benefits, and is generated by a trusted source to influence Slovic’s risk perception.
However, his journal article provides one-sided argument in informing and educating the publics about his research. His strong beliefs towards his research provide no downfall. Slovic fails to communicate and convince the public that his research is worthy. From a communications perspectives, data, information, and diagrams are not enough to support one’s argument, especially towards risks perception. Risk is a subjective topic that cannot be concluded like a math problem, where every problem has a definite solution. Slovic’s strong approach towards his research does not help readers to balance their views. This is due to the different public’s perception that they have towards a risk. Slovic’s negative view can be seen where he stated, “communication about risk is simply irrelevant to the discussion” (p.285). Yet, it defeats the purpose of his research goals to provide a basic understanding, anticipate public responses and improve the public’s understanding of risk management the risk awareness among people, experts and decision makers. Slovic believes that people’s perception and attitudes cannot be quantified or positioned by research because it relates to people’s feeling. Also, his article lacks the information process of how did Slovic concludes to such data. As a communication student, I would want to read the process on how he receives his written data and plotting the different risks in the diagram. Instead, he focused towards in explaining how to read the data and diagrams.
The general public needs to be aware of how Slovic’s research remains relevant to today’s risk perception. In educating the public about risk perception, it is insufficient to only distribute scientific data. Instead, it is also necessary for the message to be packaged according to the reader’s interest so that the message can be easily understood. For his research to be accepted by the public, Slovic should consider feedback from the public, both positive and negative, and listen to the public critique about his scientific research. Also, shifting a person’s attitude and perception is difficult and would require a longer period of time to understand and accept his findings. Moreover, his writing style is difficult to understand. Although his writing is targeted towards the educated audience, the language should be simplified in order for the reader to comprehend the message that he is trying to convey.
