The Determinants of Risk Perception: The Active-Passive Dimension

Swaton, E., Maderthaner, R., Pahner, P.D., Guttmann, G., & Otway, H.J. (1976). The Determinants of Risk Perception: The Active-Passive Dimension. IIASA Research Memorandum. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: RM-76-074

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Abstract

In this paper the suitability of using photographs as a testing technique for identifying additional factors as determinants of risk perception is discussed.

A survey was performed, showing 30 slides to 222 respondents (90 males, 132 females). The risk situations presented were to be evaluated on a rating scale. Factor analytical treatment of data revealed two factors, where the first factor can be interpreted as a "general risk" factor. The second factor displayed a two-dimensional structure, the poles of which were designated "active" and "passive" with regard to the persons depicted in the various, situations. The "active" dimension is described by a permanent struggle with the event, whereas the "passive" dimension is characterized by a submissive ability of endurance with little influence through personal skill on the situation. Technological risk situations (i.e., interaction between man and his technical environment) are mainly located on the passive side of this bi-polar continuum. Here also statistically significant differences between male and female respondents were found.

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