People process uncertain information (such as a climate forecast) in two qualitatively different and competing systems: experiential and analytical. Even seemingly objective, statistical information can elicit subjective and affective reactions which then influence decisions and actions. A better understanding of these processes contributes to improved risk communication.

The Future is Now: Climate Change Detection and Behavior in Regions Experiencing Significant Climate Change »
This project examines how the physical experience of climate change impacts in Alaska at the local and regional level may significantly affect individual, group, and institutional risk perception and decision-making regarding climate change.

Climate Change, Vicarious Experience and the Social Amplification of Risk »
This international study compares how viewing a movie about climate change or reading a scientific paper influences people's perceptions and attitudes toward climate change differently.

Decision Making Under Risk of Extreme Climate Events Among Farmers in the Northeastern U.S. »
This project studies how farmers in the Northeastern U.S. utilize personal experience, group experience, and instructional materials to formulate climate expectations and to protect against climate risk.

More Research
Decision Making under the Impact of Glacial Retreat among Residents of Vulnerable Zones: Perception of and Response to Climate Change »

Hurricanes Warnings: Creation, Dissemination and Interpretation of the Cone of Probability »

Hypothesis Testing: Historical Research on Individual and Group Decision Making in Grasslands »

Individual, Household, and Technical Advisor-Assisted Agriculture Decision Making in the Argentine Pampas »

Making Sense of Forecasts: the Role of Group Discussion in Understanding Climate Information »

Strategic Use of Uncertainty »

Temporal Discounting of Environmental Outcomes »

Last Updated: February 5, 2008