PART THREE Flashcards
What is the primary objective of risk messages according to convergence theory?
The primary objective of risk messages is to promote accurate and ethical decision-making about risk issues. This goal can become complicated due to the complexity of risk issues and the divisions they may create among parties.
How does convergence theory explain public debates over risk issues?
Convergence theory posits that public debates over contested risk issues, like climate change, involve interacting arguments that shift the audience’s understanding as the debate progresses. The arguments from opposing parties interact and influence how individuals comprehend the issue.
What are the three central propositions identified by Anthony, Sellnow, and Millner regarding message convergence?
Recognition of Convergence: Individuals actively seek and recognize points of convergence within competing arguments, which can be highly persuasive.
Importance of Issue: Convergence is most persuasive when the issue is personally significant or causes outrage for the audience.
Changing Nature of Convergence: Convergence can change over time; new evidence may render widely held assumptions obsolete.
What challenges do communicators face in responsible risk communication?
Communicators may find it overwhelming to navigate the complexities of crisis situations, balancing dialogue-centered and technology-centered approaches while considering both hazards and public outrage.
What is the concept of significant choice, and why is it important in risk communication?
Significant choice, developed by Nilsen, emphasizes that human dignity resides in the ability to make rational decisions. It is crucial for risk communication as it ensures that stakeholders can make informed choices based on unbiased information, free from manipulation.
What are the five standards that must be met for significant choice to occur?
Stakeholders must be free from physical or mental coercion.
The choice must be based on all available information.
All reasonable alternatives should be included in the discussion.
Both short-term and long-term consequences must be disclosed and discussed.
Both senders and receivers should be open about their personal motives that may influence decision-making.
How does significant choice contribute to objective decision-making?
By applying the five standards effectively, significant choice fosters a marketplace of ideas where diverse viewpoints can be shared and understood. This allows stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with their best interests.
What must communicators avoid to ensure significant choice occurs?
Communicators must avoid several forms of misinformation that could hinder the opportunity for significant choice, which can corrupt the decision-making process and lead to biased or uninformed choices.
What role do risk communicators play in the context of significant choice?
Risk communicators should act as “honest brokers” of information, ensuring that they provide clear, unbiased data that enables stakeholders to make informed decisions. They should also strive to uphold the standards of significant choice and be accountable for their communication practices.
What is the ultimate goal of responsible risk communication?
The ultimate goal of responsible risk communication is to empower stakeholders to make informed, rational decisions about risk issues while avoiding bias and misinformation. This involves creating an environment where stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue and understand the implications of their choices.
