Risk Perception Survey

Name: ____________________________ ______
Risk Perception Survey
PART 1: DO THIS PART FIRST
We all face risks in our everyday lives. Often, we do not accurately perceive the level of risk we introduce into our lives when we engage in an activity, or we believe the possibility of an event (such as an earthquake) introduces far more risk into our lives than it warrants. In this activity, you will survey family and/or friends to find out how they perceive various risks. You will also compile and analyze the data you collect.
Instructions
Conduct the following survey with 5 people (you may be one of them). At the beginning, read the text below to the people who will complete the survey.
“Please rate each of the following risks on a one to ten scale: a ten being an activity or event which you perceive as a great risk to citizens of the United States, and a one being an activity or event which you perceive as a minor risk to citizens of the United States. The highest risk (a 10) would be a risk that would be likely to cause death, injury, or a decreased lifespan to many U.S. citizens.”
Survey each person alone. Do not allow the person being surveyed to see the responses of others. Do not survey anyone who has already been surveyed (ask them first). Use the last column to calculate and record the average of all respondents’ results. Each risk category is rated by itself; it is possible that several risk categories could have the same rating.
 
Data
Risk Pers 1 Pers 2 Pers 3 Pers 4 Pers 5 AVERAGE
Natural Disasters

Drowning

Air pollution

Moderate alcohol use

10-20 lbs overweight

Fires incl. their smoke

Living with a smoker

Toxic waste

Drug abuse

Living in poverty

 
Name:
PART 2
1. Plot the results of your survey in the provided spreadsheet. Place your calculated perceived risk results in column B of the spreadsheet (make sure you put the right numbers in each row!). The plot should show both the perceived risk (from your survey results) vs the actual risk (these numbers are in the spreadsheet)
Analysis:
1. Choose one point for which the actual risk is much greater than the perceived risk and explain why it might be so.

2. Choose one point for which the actual risk is much less than the perceived risk and explain why it might be so.

3. Choose one point for which the actual risk is approximately equal to the perceived risk, and explain why might be so.

4. Comment on anything that surprised you about the results of the survey.