Crisis Communication Bemmet

In-class test 1

1. How is risk defined in Bemmett et al?
The probability that something harmful will happen
2. Recent developments in communication technologies have introduced challenges to the established centralized media. Give one example of how the new technologies have changed the media landscape and describe the risks involved in that change
New technologies allow people todemand/look for information 24/7.
Therefore some journalists might communicate about stories without
confirming/researching facts. Moreover, there is loads of info on the
internet which does not always prove to be reliable, therefore it is harder
to distinguish correct information.
3. The book identifies eleven fright factors. List four of these fright factors.
Man made versus natural
•Unavoidable risk by personal precautions
• Affecting pregnant women or kids
• Involuntary versus voluntary
4. Provide an example that shows how these fright factors can play a role in communication
Cause confirmation bias and prevent recipient from accepting further
information.
5. Which of the following statements is correct?
a. People tend to overestimate owing to unusual dramatic causeswhile underestimating those due to common killers such as heart disease
b. People tend to underestimate deaths owing to unusual dramatic causes while overestimating those due to common killers such as heart disease
c. People tent to overestimate deaths owing to unusual dramatic causes as well as those due to common killers such as heart disease
d. People tend to underestimate deaths owing tounusual dramatic causes as well as those due to common killers such as heart disease
6. The cultural theory is an attempt to categorize overall attitude to risk. This theory distinguishes between four types of stakeholders or audiences. Name all four types and provide a brief description of each.
• Egalitarian: favors public participation in decision making
• Individualistic: make their owndecisions
• Hierarchal: rely on the government to make decisions
• Fatalist: nature is capricious, no control possible
7. According to the cultural theory of risk, societies have deep and possibly irreconcilable perceptions of risk. What is the reason given for this?
• People have different perceptions of which risks are acceptable
• Bias
• Framing
• Heuristics
8. What do Earle and Cvetkovichduggest as a key tool for fostering “robust social trust”?
9. State 2 ways in which governments and medical authorities handle risk
• Provide information
• Present scenarios of outcomes
• Compare risks
10. Fischhoff lists 9 stages of risk management. The first stage identified is: All we have to do is get the numbers right. List 4 other stages?
11. Explain what is meant by the term “riskcomparison” and provide an example.
Observing different risks on the same scale in order to have an overview
of what is more likely to happen or what will cause most damage.
E.g.: people living in the NL are more likely to die in car accidents than as
a result of flooding.
12. Establishing closer relationships with stakeholders is seen as good practice in risk communication. Outreach is cited inFischhoff as a means of engaging with stakeholders. Provide an example of outreach.
A power company may wish to invite local residents to it’s new plant in order to present how well the risk is managed or that there is no real risk. This is preventing possible demonstrations.
13. According to Hobson West, focusing on risk and emphasizing statistical evidence is inconsistent with the wayparents think about health and disease. What does she would believe would be a more appropriate way to present public health messages and vaccinations
a. Cost and Benefit
B. Personal and social gain
C. Uncertainty and necessity
d. Consequence and likelihood
14. Give 2 reasons for the public confusion and lack of trust surrounding the MMR vaccination controversy.
• Conflicting narratives from...