Previous research has suggested that misinterpretations of hurricane track forecasts can lead to errors in estimation of perceived risk. One factor that can be used to understand these errors in judgment of risk perception is called optimistic bias, in which an individual perceives that compared to another person they are at less risk. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine how risk perceptions of hurricane track forecasts are influenced by the optimistic bias and changes in the forecasts. Students from three coastal universities took a survey regarding hurricane risk from two different track scenarios of a hypothetical hurricane approaching their university. Results indicated that optimism and perceptions of hurricane tracks were not correlated. Regardless of changes in forecast tracks, students perceived the same level of risk by the final forecast. This research has important social implications because hurricane track forecasts are part of the hurricane decision-making process.

The proliferation of female entrepreneurs, especially in developing countries, instigated this study, to understand their judgement and decision-making processes in the highly complex and uncertain entrepreneurial landscape within which they need to thrive. The study focused on cognitive bias and its effects on risk perception and firm performance, particularly in female entrepreneurs. This study took a quantitative approach to analyse the effects of cognitive bias. A cross sectional explanatory research design, using a combination of purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling strategies, yielded a sample of 75 female entrepreneurs. The data collected on their risk perception, which is believed to be a determinant of success, was analysed using Pearson’s correlations, paired t-tests and multivariate regression statistical techniques. The key findings of this study are based on the evaluation of four research hypotheses were; a weak negative relationship exists between overconfidence and risk perception; a positive relationship exists between overoptimism and risk perception; and no relationship exists between self-efficacy and risk perception. With regard to firm performance, none of the cognitive biases or risk perceptions were found to have any statistically significant relationship. This study brought a different dimension to the effects of cognitive bias, as its findings mostly contradicted existing literature. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

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This research investigates flood-risk communication challenges in Canada, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address diverse household preferences and values. In Chapter 2, we examine Canadian household experiences with flood-risk information, aiming to identify new communication needs and bridge the gap between households and flood-risk managers. The interviews reveal previously overlooked flood risk information needs. The importance of tailored communication strategies was highlighted by household participants as they emphasized the need for information that caters to their unique circumstances and requirements. Moreover, fairness emerged as a crucial aspect of flood-risk communication, prompting a call for equitable practices to address vulnerabilities affecting specific households. In Chapter 3, we investigate household values and preferences on flood-risk information through a survey of at-risk households in Canada, uncovering diverse preferences, values and needs for tailored risk information. Additionally, significant differences in flood-risk knowledge, accessibility, and transparency are observed among risk-status groups, with higher awareness among those who perceive themselves at risk. Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse values and preferences within households regarding flood-risk information. Strengthening flood-risk communication strategies and addressing information gaps can lead to more informed risk perceptions and improve awareness among at-risk households in Canada / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA) / This research focuses on how people in Canada receive information about flood risks and how we can improve it. In Chapter 2, we talked to Canadian households to learn about their experiences with flood-risk information. We found that the current way of giving this information might not meet everyone's needs. People want information that fits their specific situations, and they stressed the importance of fairness in how the information is shared. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey among households at risk of flooding in Canada to find out what kind of information they prefer. We discovered that people like to get clear and direct messages with detailed risk information that is customized for them. We also noticed that some people who think they are at higher risk of flooding are more informed about the risks. This means it's essential to consider how people see their own risk levels when communicating with them effectively. Overall, this research shows that flood-risk information needs to be tailored to people's different preferences and values. By doing this, we can help individuals and communities better understand and prepare for flood risks. We recommend working together with different groups involved in flood-risk management to improve how we communicate these risks. By doing so, we can create a more informed and inclusive flood-risk communication system that helps communities stay safe during flood events in the future.

Electric bikes can contribute to the decrease of emissions and present a carbon-positive alternative to gaspowered forms of motorized transport. Hence, the fact that both conventional and e-bike use have increased considerably during the Covid-19 pandemic can be considered as a positive development. At the same time, studies find that e-bike riders are traveling with higher speeds, and report new types of safety incidents, that they did not experience during conventional cycling. Risk related behavior of e-bike and c-bike riders has frequently been linked to crash-risk and injury severity [6][7]. But little research has been conducted on the comparison of self-reported risk related behavior between e-bike and conventional bike (c-bike) riders. Hence, in this study, the self-reported risk-related behavior of c-bik.e and e-bike riders was investigated.

<p> The purpose of this paper is to examine how lay perceptions of risk influence individual behaviour. The study focuses on health care practitioners who are daily exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation. By using qualitative research methods, the goal was to understand how individuals attach meaning to the environment they work in, when there is a risk involved. It points out that people must go through a risk assessing procedure, in order· to be able to deal with the daily risks to their health. People will develop different mechanism to cope with this daily risk. A model of risk perception was developed from this qualitative data. It is hoped that this model will contribute to the existing literature on risk perception models. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

It is commonly assumed that when confronted with an imminent hazard that people will react rationally, and prepare for, or at least attempt to avoid, danger from pending disasters. However, this conventional wisdom is not as evident as it appears. People prepare for, react to, or take social action to avoid hazards when they perceive the risk of danger to be threatening enough to warrant action, providing one has the will, insight and resources to do so. However, not all people perceive risks similarly. Risk is perceived differently by different people which affects risk perception and responses to hazards. This dissertation explores the relationships between American Indian worldviews, risk perceptions and disaster planning. To carry out this research 28 American Indians were interviewed. The sample consists of 14 American Indians residing in a rural are on the northern plains and 14 urban American Indians. The results only partially support that worldview is linked to risk perception and subsequent disaster planning. Other factors found to relate to risk perception and disaster planning for this non-representative sample of American Indians include various forms of social vulnerability.

<p>  </p> <p>Pregnancy poses unjust dangers to Black women in the United States, who are currently faced with higher rates of maternal mortality and pregnancy-related adverse events than women of other races. The maternal mortality ratio for non-Hispanic Black women is 41.4/100,000 compared with 13.7/100,000 for White women (Hill et al., 2022). Although there are available statistics and other forms on expert knowledge on these dangers, risk perceptions and related behaviors are derived from subjective individual interpretations within a dynamic communicative context. While there is extensive evidence on the dangers pregnancy and childbirth pose to Black women, less is known about Black women’s conceptualizations of their own risks, the role of communication (with their healthcare providers and other sources), and the ways in which they enact agency in response to these risks. Using a multi-methodological approach that draws on in-depth interviews, qualitative network analysis and an environmental scan, this dissertation foregrounds Black women’s own narratives to explore the social construction of pregnancy risk, the role of communication with healthcare providers in the amplification or attenuation of these risks, and the broader communicative context that shapes Black women’s pregnancy experiences. In doing so, this study found that Black women’s pregnancy risk perceptions are socially constructed through communication in a socio-political context shaped by gendered racism, and Black women enacted agency in response to these risks in a variety of ways constrained by gendered racism, including intentional decision-making, extensive research, and self-advocacy. Insights from in-depth interviews and the qualitative network analysis were contextualized in an environmental scan that included a review of relevant policies, interviews with community leaders, and a review of community organizations efforts to support Black women. This dissertation concludes with a discussion of contributions to theory and insights for Black women, healthcare providers, community organizations, media and policy makers. </p>

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