Abstract
Motivation – This research examines risk perception and the process of interactive counter terror communication in order to reduce the fear associated with security technologies in public spaces. Research approach – Using focus groups, data collection will adopt a two-stage design assessing (i) public perceptions of current counter terror communications and (ii) the effectiveness of interactive counter terror communication tools. Research limitations / Implications – Despite limitations associated with the generalisability of findings to other UK cities and countries, it is hoped that this research will produce evidence-based advice on how best to communicate with the UK public. Originality / Value – This research demonstrates the utility of researchers engaging in risk research collaborating with communication designers to develop state-of-the art communication tools. Take away message – When situated in a naturalistic environment, interactive communication tools can be used as an interface to manage the public’s risk perceptions in relation to counter terror technologies.
Highlights
Our work is motivated by recent studies conducted within the behavioural decision sciences, which have applied knowledge of risk perception and communication to the domain of terrorism
Our work seeks to explore existing risk perceptions in relation to counter terror technologies and examine the effectiveness of public engagement with an interactive communication tool in reducing the fear associated with these security measures
Five focus groups comprising eight participants will take place during stage one (n=40). This will provide an understanding of participants’ existing perceptions of counter terror communications and security technologies. This information will inform the development of an interactive communication tool in collaboration with an architect / interaction designer and experts in the field of sensors technology
Summary
Our work is motivated by recent studies conducted within the behavioural decision sciences, which have applied knowledge of risk perception and communication to the domain of terrorism. Research examining attitudes in relation to the experience of passenger screening in the UK, has suggested the acceptability of counter terror technologies to be inextricably tied to the public’s understanding of and ‘physical connection’ with security measure procedures in operational environments (Department for Transport, 2006). This finding, coupled with research suggesting that the public worry about unknown, invisible risks (Slovic, 1987) and that these emotional responses to risk can both confound and support cognition (Small, Lerner & Fischhoff, 2006), has created the impetus for this research. Our work seeks to explore existing risk perceptions in relation to counter terror technologies and examine the effectiveness of public engagement with an interactive communication tool (embedded with elements of counter terror technology and positioned in situ) in reducing the fear associated with these security measures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
