Communication-Human Information Processing Stages in Consumer Product Warnings

Abstract

Research on warnings has grown considerably over the last three decades (e.g., see Laughery and Wogalter 2006; Miller and Lehto 2001; Wogalter and Laughery 2005). During this time period, researchers have investigated a wide variety of variables. The communication-human information processing (C-HIP) model provides a framework to organize and structure the seemingly disparate research literature by bringing coherence to the field. It also reveals needed research to fill gaps in knowledge (Wogalter, DeJoy, and Laughery 1999a). Most previous descriptions of C-HIP have focused on its broad generality. Some descriptions of the model demonstrate particular applicability to other more specific situations such as warning signs in the workplace (Conzola and Wogalter 2001) or for one specific category of consumer products such as pharmaceuticals or beverage 42alcohol (Wogalter and Sojourner 1999; Wogalter and Young 1998). No previous review of C-HIP has specifically focused on consumer product warnings. C-HIP has applicability to a wide assortment of consumer products.