Risk perception

A variety of factors determine how a risk is perceived. These include characteristics of the risk itself, such as the extent of possible damage, its probability of occurrence or the freedom of choice people have in relation to a risk. However, individual and societal factors such as risk-benefit considerations, knowledge about certain risks and the influence of and trust in institutions and organizations also play an important role. Finally, how a particular risk is perceived depends on the nature of the risk communication itself. Of particular importance is the role of the media in this regard. 

Against this background, research at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is concerned with assessing risk perception in the general public and identifying factors that influence this perception. This is particularly relevant when scientific risk assessment and public risk perception diverge, i.e. either a risk that is serious from a scientific point of view is underestimated or a risk that is objectively rather insignificant is overestimated. Research into risk perception is also of particular relevance when public perception and opinion of new technologies is only beginning to take shape. At this stage, negative reporting and opinions and non-transparent risk communication can lead to a loss of trust.