Completed Research Project

Title / Titel
PDF
Electromagnetic fields: Perceived risks, social trust and confidence
Summary / Zusammenfassung
Based on a comprehensive review of the trust literature we propose a ”dual-mode model of social trust and confidence”. Trust and confidence are separate, but, under some circumstances, interacting sources of cooperation. Trust is based on value similarity, and confidence is based on performance. According to our model judged value similarity (VS) between the observer’s currently salient values and the values attributed to others determine social trust (ST). Thus, the basis for trust is that the person to be trusted would act as the trusting person would. The interpretation of the other’s performance (PP) influences confidence (C). Confidence can be based on formal record keeping, contracts, control systems or other indicators of past performance. Both social trust and confidence have an impact on people’s willingness to cooperate (CO; e.g., accept electromagnetic fields or EMF in the neighborhood). One aim of our proposed work is to develop measures for, and test this model of trust and confidence in the applied context of EMF risk management.Few social science studies have addressed perceived risks associated with EMF. Therefore, a second aim of the study is to explore a variety of questions that may be relevant for a better understanding of public reactions towards EMF. Examples for these questions are: Does the source of EMF (e.g., cell phone, antennas, microwaves, power lines) have an impact on risks perceived? Do people who perceive EMF as risky assess other technologies as risky as well? How prevalent are concerns about EMF in Switzerland?
Publications / Publikationen
Siegrist, M., Earle, T. C., & Gutscher, H. (2003). Test of a trust and confidence model in the applied context of electromagnetic field (EMF) risks. Risk Analysis, 23, 705-716.

Siegrist, M., Earle, T. C., Gutscher, H., & Keller, C. (2005). Perception of mobile phone and base station risks. Risk Analysis, 25, 1253-1264.

Project Leadership and Contacts /
Projektleitung und Kontakte
PD Dr. Michael Siegrist (Project Leader)siegrist@sozpsy.uzh.ch
Prof. Dr. Heinz Gutscher 
Funding Source(s) /
Unterstützt durch
Foundation
 
In Collaboration with /
In Zusammenarbeit mit
Dr. Timothy C. Earle
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA		United States
Duration of Project / Projektdauer
Jan 2001 to Dec 2002

© Universität Zürich, 19. September 2006, Impressum