Measuring Subjective Risk Perception as a Latent Construct

A Semi-Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach

risk perception
semi-confirmatory factor analysis
General Risk Probability Perception Scale
direct experience
near misses
Authors

Oliver Saal

Alisa Puustinen

Published

June 18, 2023

Abstract
In our paper we analyse risk perceptions of individuals based on data collected as part of the longitudinal survey series Finnish Emergency Attitudes. We propose that in terms of risk perception, risks should be seen as interconnected, intuitively valued, and socially mediated. Using factor analysis, we construct a General Risk Probability Perception Scale (GRPPS) and analyse the variance in risk perception in three different models. We found support for the hypothesis that risk perception is a unitary construct, as opposed to composed of singular risk related perceptions of probability. General risk perception seems to be related to experiences of actual risk, whether direct, near-miss or professional. For social variables, only being male or elderly predicts a higher general perception of risk.

This manuscript is not published in a pre-print archive.

Citation

BibTeX citation:
@unpublished{saal2023,
  author = {Saal, Oliver and Puustinen, Alisa},
  title = {Measuring {Subjective} {Risk} {Perception} as a {Latent}
    {Construct}},
  date = {2023-06-18},
  url = {https://osaal.github.io/articles/saalpuustinen2023.html},
  langid = {en},
  abstract = {In our paper we analyse risk perceptions of individuals
    based on data collected as part of the longitudinal survey series
    Finnish Emergency Attitudes. We propose that in terms of risk
    perception, risks should be seen as interconnected, intuitively
    valued, and socially mediated. Using factor analysis, we construct a
    General Risk Probability Perception Scale (GRPPS) and analyse the
    variance in risk perception in three different models. We found
    support for the hypothesis that risk perception is a unitary
    construct, as opposed to composed of singular risk related
    perceptions of probability. General risk perception seems to be
    related to experiences of actual risk, whether direct, near-miss or
    professional. For social variables, only being male or elderly
    predicts a higher general perception of risk.}
}
For attribution, please cite this work as:
Saal, Oliver, and Alisa Puustinen. 2023. “Measuring Subjective Risk Perception as a Latent Construct.” Unpublished Manuscript. https://osaal.github.io/articles/saalpuustinen2023.html.