Ch. 6 Risks and Hazards Flashcards
Which of the following factors does NOT influence risk perception?
Not taking consequences into consideration
In cultural theory, fatalists are likely to use _______ as a risk approach.
Adaptation to changes
The more we advance technologically, the more uncertainties we face
True
Which of the following statements is NOT true of cultural theory?
People always fit into only one of the four categories based on their personal views.
Natural hazards are those in which there is no human presence or impact.
False
Under cultural theory, which group would view nature as being resilient?
Individualists
Environmental justice movements attempt to correct systemic inequalities that
force people to choose between unemployment and work hazards, limit people’s ability to make informed decisions, and lead to environmental degradation in poor neighborhoods
Risk assessments are conducted for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT:
To find the source of the problem
The _____ is the danger, ______ is the probability that the danger will occur, and ______ is the degree to which we do not know whether that danger will occur.
hazard, risk, uncertainty
The degree to which the outcomes of a situation are unknown is called
Uncertainty
Douglas and other cultural theorists suggest that our sense of hazards, risk, and uncertainty is
learned through socialization and culture
Which of the following is NOT a source of uncertainty?
Systems basically function the same everywhere
Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding humans and hazards?
Hazards only exist where humans do not have some vested interest
In a local casino, the poker dealer can choose whether to be exposed to cigarette smoke and keep his or her job, or not take the job.
Constraints on decisions
The dangers of unprotected sex are well publicized on packages of contraceptives.
none of the other choices
In Oregon, Ohio, the oil refinery is located adjacent to poorer communities that have little voice in the quality of emissions coming from the plant.
Control of decisions
An asteroid is headed toward Earth. The government chooses not to let the public know because people will panic and make things worse.
Control of information
Which of the following risk perception biases is likely to lead to an underestimation of risk?
Voluntary
In cultural theory, egalitarians are likely to use _______ as a risk approach.
The precautionary principle
A culture that espouses the precautionary principle is likely to:
Prefer to avoid certain activities until it is clear that they are safe
Cultural theory argues that perception of risk is based on how we interact with others, rather than universal human traits or individual biases.
True
You can see evidence that your sexual partner has an STD infection. How might this influence your perception of the risk of catching an STD?
Underestimate risk
You learn that asbestos as been found at your workplace. You need this job and can’t quit right now. How would your knowledge of this influence your perception of the risk for going to work?
Overestimate risk
One might think most car crashes are the result of poor drivers. Because you know you are an excellent driver, how would this influence your perception of risk in choosing to drive a car?
Underestimate risk
You know of several, well publicized air plane crashes where no one walked away alive. How does this influence your perception of risk for airplane travel?
Overestimate risk
People that smoke only get cancer or other diseases when they are much older it seems. How would this thinking affect your perception of risk for choosing to smoke?
Underestimate risk
Under cultural theory, which group would view nature as being fragile?
Egalitarians
Gilbert F. White argued that engineering technologies such as levees were the solution to flooding problems.
False
Risk is defined as
the estimated likelihood that a decision or action will have a negative consequence.
Gilbert F. White would suggest which of the following methods to control flooding on the Mississippi River
White would recommend a combination of all of the choices given in this question, since there is no way to eliminate risk by implementing just one of the options given.
