Risk Perception and Terrorism: Applying the Psychometric Paradigm

Clinton M. Jenkin

Clinton_M_Jenkin

ABSTRACT:
While expert risk analyses are based on calculations of probability and damage, public estimates of risk are more often based on qualitative factors. It is important to understand how the public, not just homeland security experts, perceive and react to the threat of terrorism. Risk perception research in general, and the psychometric paradigm in particular, offer a basis for empirically examining attitudes toward potential terrorism. This article discusses the benefits of such an approach and specific research recommendations.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
The author would like to thank the reviewers for their helpful comments, which directly improved this article. This research was supported in part by a graduate student fellowship from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of University Programs, Scholars and Fellows Program. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Clinton Jenkin, Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824. Email: cjenkin@unh.edu.