Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009. / Title from title screen (site viewed April 22, 2010). PDF text: 117 p. : ill. ; 502 K. UMI publication number: AAT 3372775. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Alberta, 2010. / Title from PDF file main screen (viewed on July 7, 2010). A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 107 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-71).

Florida has 906,465 residential properties facing substantial flood risk, making it imperative to understand how the public may perceive and respond to this risk. Providing people with scientific information may not be enough to impact behavior and decrease losses from flood events. We show participants (n = 20) scientific flood risk graphics and ask behavioral questions to evaluate responses based on the rational actor paradigm (RAP), psychometric paradigm, and cultural theory. We find results consistent with the RAP in 48% of cases, primarily in low risk scenarios. Participants from high income households are more likely to make rational decisions (80%) than those from low income households (~37%). Feelings of dread potentially help explain 40% of deviations from the RAP, while trust in flood experts helps explain 85% of non-RAP cases. Future flood risk communication should incorporate dread and trust in experts into messaging considerations as rationality alone is insufficient. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2021. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This study used computer-mediated focus groups to investigate how college students perceive risk messages about severe weather that are communicated through Facebook. The results of this study found that perceptions of risk were consistent with many factors outlined by the Risk Perception Model, developed by Covello, Peters, Wojtecki, & Hyde (2001). Despite this, communication using Facebook requires additional factors to be considered. The model should be amended to differentiate between the different levels of trust that influence perceptions on Facebook. The tone of the message becomes a factor separate from the previously established factors of risk perception. These findings stem from the perception among college students that Facebook is a platform meant for entertainment and socializing. These implications lead to many practical considerations that risk communicators can use to increase the perception of risk during severe-weather events in order to encourage individuals to take action to protect lives and property.

No description available.

The aim of the thesis is to explore pregnant women's decision-making and major influences on their preferences for a place of delivery. The study was prompted by the UK government's policy of a woman centred maternity service (Department of Health 1993b), and the observation that studies had concentrated on professionals' rather than women's views about the place of delivery. Two factors were considered to have potential influence in decision making, one being the individual woman's risk perception related to the process of childbirth, and the other, knowledge about available options for place of birth. First, a systematic review was conducted, looking at available studies on women's views about the place of delivery. Only 9 studies were found, suggesting a need for more studies. Secondly, a primary study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 20 women planning a hospital birth, and 13 planning a home birth to explore factors that led to their respective choices. Results from the primary study indicate that women were not offered information about the availability of home birth. Consequently, 90% of those planning a hospital birth did not give thought to where they were going to have their babies, but assumed they were going to go to hospital. On the other hand, those planning a home birth found information privately and discussed the options with their husbands before making a decision. Additionally, results exposed differences in perception of safety concerning childbirth for subsequent deliveries according to planned place of delivery. Control of the birth process and environment was also found to be important for women planning a home birth. Risk perception and information about available options were found to influence decision-making about the place of birth, thus supporting the hypotheses of the thesis.

Gold mining is often associated with positive economic benefits; however, it may also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is essential that communities understand the risks and benefits associated with mining, particularly in developing countries where there is often a lack of legislation governing the environmental performance of mining corporations. The perceptions of local people regarding the risks and benefits of mining may differ significantly from those of company representatives, policy makers, and the scientific community. Indeed, public concerns have sometimes been ignored or downplayed by those responsible for the implementation of environmental policies and practices. Examination of the complex social, economic, psychological, political, and cultural factors influencing risk perception in mining communities is thus important for successful risk communication and management. Issues arising from the interplay between socio-economic benefits and risks are particularly acute in small island states which have isola ted and highly limited economic development trajectories. The lessons learned in such cases are therefore instructive for crisis planning across the developing world. This study conducted firsthand empirical research into the perception of environmental and health risks in the communities surrounding the Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji. Primary data was obtained through a survey questionnaire designed to quantify and evaluate perceived risks (n= 340, representing approximately 24% of the target population). Concurrently, environmental samples were collected to assess the extent of environmental impacts at the study site. Study results revealed that gender is an important variable in risk perception at Vatukoula. Major findings include: (1) women feel they have less knowledge about the risks of mining compared to men; (2) women feel they have less control to avoid the risks of mining compared to men; and (3) women and men tend to receive risk messages from different sources. The information obtained during this study was made directly available to local stakeholders, to aid in risk management and decision-making.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2007. / Principal faculty advisor: Havidan Rodriguez, Dept. of Sociology & Criminal Justice. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Delaware, 2006. / Principal faculty advisor: Benigno E. Aguirre, Dept. of Sociology. Includes bibliographical references.