What role does trust play in the risk perception of recipients in different communication contexts?

Background

Trust is considered to play an important role in the context of science communication and risk communication. While the German population has a high degree of trust in science and research (Wissenschaft im Dialog/Kantar 2020), they have less trust in the state institutions for radiation protection (Götte/Ludewig 2019).

For the communication practice of the BfS and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), the question arises as to how the trust of the general public in the radiation protection authorities can be improved. Against this background, the research project addresses the following questions:

1. What are the relevant factors for trust on the part of the population in the institutions of radiation protection?
2. How does trust influence the perception and assessment of radiation risks? And how does the communication practice of the BfS and the BMUV affect trust in radiation protection?
3. What strategies to strengthen trust in the radiation protection authorities can be derived?

Objective

The aim of the research project is to gain insights into the effect and the preconditions of trust in the institutions of radiation protection. A particular focus here is on the question of the importance of risk communication. With a view to advancing digitalisation, the specific effect of on-line media and on-line risk communication on trust in institutions is particularly interesting. Based on the findings, recommendations for action to improve trust in the radiation protection authorities will be developed.

Methodology and implementation

Literature search

In the first work package, research will be conducted on the current state of knowledge on the topic as well as on methods relevant to the questions of the research project. These include definitions of trust as well as insights into the preconditions for trust-building, in particular the importance of trust for risk communication and the social perception of risks. Also relevant in this context is the state of research on trust in science and in scientific institutions, especially in radiation protection authorities. Another focus of the literature review is on the effect of on-line media and on-line communication on the risk perception and trust in institutions among recipients. In addition, the state of knowledge regarding survey instruments relevant to the research project will be compiled.

Qualitative survey

In the second work package, 40 guideline-based interviews will be conducted. The aim of this is to provide insights into the conditions of trust in the institutions of radiation protection, on the influence of risk communication on trust in institutions, and on the effect of trust on the risk perception of the respondents.

Quantitative survey

In the third work package, a standardised and representative on-line survey (CAWI) with regard to socio-demographic characteristics will be carried out, taking into account individuals aged 18 and over living in private households in Germany. Analogous to the qualitative sub-study, the following thematic complexes will be dealt with:

• Foundations of trust in institutions
• The influence of risk communication on trust
• The influence of trust on the risk perception of the respondents

The quantitative survey will examine whether and to what extent the insights gained in the previous step can be generalised. This should also provide insights into the strength of the influence of relevant variables and factors (e.g. with regard to the influence of risk communication on trust or the influence of trust on risk perception).

Completion

In the fourth work package, all work carried out in the course of the research project as well as the knowledge gained in the process will be balanced and condensed into recommendations for action to increase trust in the institutions of radiation protection.

Literature

Götte, S./Ludewig, Y. (2019). Was denkt Deutschland über Strahlung? Umfrage 2019

Wissenschaft im Dialog/Kantar (2020). Science barometer special edition on Corona (last access: 8 August 2022).