Specifying factors in radiation risk perception

This is a study of risk perception and a test of a model of perceived risk. A scale measuring fear was factor analyzed and the resulting five fear fac tors were related to a large number of risk dimensions, both personal and g eneral. Fear was only rather weakly related to perceived risk. Furthermore, perceived risk of two ionizing radiation hazards (nuclear power, X-rays) w ere investigated in more detail. These risk ratings were modelled on the ba sis of attitude, risk sensitivity, specific perceived risk of radiation, tr ust and an extended version of the traditional Psychometric Model, enhanced by the introduction of a factor of Tampering with Nature. It was found tha t risk perception could be well explained with this approach and the import ance of Tampering with Nature, as well as specific perceived risk, were str essed.