J. Nerb et al., Cognition and emotion in the evaluation of environmental accidents: modelling and empirical studies, Z EXP PSYCH, 45(4), 1998, pp. 251-269
Lay people's evaluation of environmental risks is often based on mass media
descriptions of single disastrous events. This article analyzes the cognit
ive and emotional reactions towards those reports. We assume that character
istic features of the events determine the cognitive evaluation and the ris
e of the emotions anger and sadness. An intuitive, spontaneous, and schema-
based evaluation process is postulated that entails a coherent perception a
nd appraisal of an event. The theoretical assumptions are formally specifie
d and implemented in the computer model ITERA (Intuitive Thinking in Enviro
nmental Risk Appraisal). In three experimental studies, we presented manipu
lated descriptions about negative environmental events. The effects of thre
e experimental variables (knowledge about the riskiness of an action: highe
r goal of the actor, voluntarity of the actor) were compared with the model
's predictions. For anger we found a good correspondence between the empiri
cal results and the model's data. The predicted coherence effects of the co
gnitive appraisal were confirmed to a great extent. Results for sadness did
not conform with model predictions.