PERCEPTION OF POTENTIAL NUCLEAR DISASTER - THE RELATION OF LIKELIHOODAND CONSEQUENCE ESTIMATES OF RISK

This study examined the correlations of ratings of expectation of a fu ture disaster in a nuclear power plant and estimations of its conseque nces in a random sample of 150 adults who lived within two kilometers of a nuclear power plant. Analysis suggested a significant positive bu t low relation. This finding indicates that risk perception might be e xplored using constellations of beliefs and attitudes toward hazards w ithout invoking personality characteristics like trait anxiety or demo graphic variables such as gender.