Warnings and Risk Communication

Questions regarding how best to communicate warnings and risk information, whether such communications are likely to be effective, and what factors influence the communication process are important across many of society's facets today. Stimulated by the tremendous growth in litigation on product liability and associated personal injury, research into warning and risk communication has developed rapidly over the last few years. This book addresses the major issues in theory, research and applications of warnings and risk communication, bringing together the leading international authorities in the field. Foreword. Preface. Contributors. Part One: Introduction. Overview. Organizing Theoretical Framework: A Consolidated Communication-Human information Processing (C-HIP) Model. Part Two: Methods/Techniques. Intermediate Processing stages: Methodological Considerations for Research on Warnings. Methodological Techniques for Evaluating Behavioral Intentions and Compliance. Part Three: Research on Warnings. Source. Channel. Attention Capture and Maintenance. Comprehension and Memory. Attitudes and Beliefs. Motivation. Behavior. Part Four: Practical Issues of Warning Design. Standards and Government Regulations in the USA. Practical Considerations Regarding the Design and Evaluation of Product Warnings. Part Five: Forensics. The Law Relating to Warnings. The Expert Witness. Subject Index. Author Index.