Learning through Conflict: A Realistic Strategy for Risk Communication

In: Policy sciences: integrating knowledge and practice to advance human dignity ; the journal of the Society of Policy Scientists, Band 24, Heft 1, S. 99-119

Abstract

Acrimonious conflicts about technological choices regarding nuclear power, hazardous chemicals, drug testing, etc, have been viewed as problems of perception & communication. Here, it is argued that risk communication is not simply information transfer from experts to nonexperts, but rather, is a type of political discourse, in which conflicting messages are almost inevitable. It is further argued that improving the design of risk messages will not necessarily enhance nonexperts' understanding, & that the concept of an "unbiased message" is unrealistic. Two approaches to risk communication are presented: an adult education strategy that addresses scientific conflict, & creates educated, discriminating consumers; & a structural approach that allows perspectives on the truth to be obtained from conflicting messages, through countervailing incentives, independent evaluation, watchdog organizations, institutionalized debate, & distribution of resources. It is concluded that the most effective approaches are those that bring conflict out in the open, clarify its dimensions, & redress the imbalance of resources. While this strategy may result in more heated debate in the short run, it will create an educated public that can interpret conflicting information & make appropriate decisions. 44 References. S. Dilts