Risk Information Seeking And Processing Research Articles

What motivates information (non-)seeking behaviors about a healthy diet?

Previous research on health information seeking has primarily focused on individuals'intentions to seek or avoid information. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the actual behavioral patterns of information-seeking and non-seeking. To address this, we conducted a survey experiment manipulating cognitive load with mostly Belgian participants (N = 359). By integrating self-report and behavioral data, we investigated motivations and conditions associated with information (non)-seeking behaviors on a healthy diet. Guided by the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, we examined the roles of informational subjective norms and information insufficiency, as well as the moderating role of cognitive capacity. Neither informational subjective norms nor information insufficiency significantly correlated with information-seeking behaviors. However, a significant interaction between the predictors and cognitive capacity in predicting non-seeking behaviors was observed. These findings underscore the intricate nature of individuals' behavioral patterns in seeking or not seeking information about healthy eating.

Information seeking and information avoidance about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination: knowledge, personal control, or affect?

Applying the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, this study explores the antecedents to information seeking and information avoidance about a relatively novel risk – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Based on an experimental survey, we found that current knowledge, informational subjective norms, and risk perception are positively related to information seeking and information avoidance. Perceived personal control is positively related to information avoidance, but not related to information seeking. Fear is positively related to information seeking, but sadness is not related to either seeking or avoidance. Lastly, information seeking and information avoidance are associated with preventive behaviors related to PFAS contamination in the opposite direction.

“I’m Just Going to Stay Out of the Way”: How Perceived Information Gathering Capacity Influenced Risk Information Seeking and Processing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When a new risk emerges, people must seek out and process information to help them understand how to manage the risk in their daily lives. The risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model has been used to explain what factors both contribute to risk information seeking and processing behaviors. The present study uses focus groups and deductive thematic analysis to examine how a novel risk context, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, may influence RISP relationships. Findings reveal important limitations of current understandings of RISP, particularly concerning perceived information gathering capacity. This study prompts future research to reexamine how perceived information gathering capacity may significantly impact antecedents and outcomes of systematic, non-routine information seeking and processing during an emerging risk.

Information seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic: Application of the risk information seeking and processing model.

To limit the risk of contracting the coronavirus, it is crucial for individuals to attain accurate COVID-19 related information. Once equipped with such information, they can engage in risk preventive behaviors. Applying the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, this study examined the sociopsychological factors predisposing individuals' information-seeking intentions. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Using an online survey platform, study participants were recruited from US adults. A total of 510 valid responses were included in the analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a hierarchical fashion while controlling for numerous covariates to determine the relationships between the sociopsychological variables and information-seeking intentions. Sociodemographic disparities were found in perceptions of COVID-19 risk. Perceived risk of coronavirus infection was higher among females, individuals with a history of COVID-19 symptoms, and those in a lower health status. Individuals' perceived risk provoked affective responses (e.g., worry and fear), which then increased self-perceived information insufficiency. This finding indicated individuals experienced worry and fear after perceiving the risk of coronavirus. Such affective responses made them realize that their current COVID-19 related knowledge was insufficient. Subjective norms were also found to increase information insufficiency. In other words, individuals who desired to comply with others' expectations to acquire knowledge about the risk recognized that their current knowledge about coronavirus was insufficient. Finally, individuals who acknowledged information insufficiency were motivated to seek information about the coronavirus. The relation between information insufficiency and information-seeking intentions was moderated by perceived information gathering capacity, but not by relevant channel beliefs. The findings suggest that policy makers and clinicians assist the public in obtaining accurate information from reliable sources.

PCR157 Sociopsychological Factors Related to Information Seeking during the COVID-19 Pandemic

To limit the risk of contracting the coronavirus, it is crucial for individuals to attain accurate COVID-19 related information. Once they are equipped with such information, they can engage in risk preventive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the sociopsychological factors predisposing individuals’ information-seeking intentions. Based on the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, we hypothesized that individuals perceiving the risk of COVID-19 were likely to seek risk-related information through increased affective response (i.e., anxiety and fear) and information insufficiency. We considered perceived information gathering capacity as a moderator in the prediction of information-seeking intention. Using an online survey platform, study participants were recruited from US adults. Multivariate linear regressions were conducted in a hierarchical fashion while controlling for numerous covariates. A total of 510 responses were included in our analyses. Respondents’ mean age was 46.6±17.8 years; about half (53.3%) were females. Results showed that respondents’ perceived risk provoked affective responses (regression coefficient (b) = 0.8417, 95% CI [0.7408, 0.9426]), which then increased self-perceived information insufficiency (b = 0.1857, 95% CI [0.0859, 0.2855]). This finding indicated that after perceiving the risk of coronavirus, individuals experienced worry and fear associated with the risk. Such affective responses made them realize that their current COVID-19 related knowledge was insufficient. Also, respondents who acknowledged information insufficiency were motivated to seek information about the coronavirus (b = 0.1099, 95% CI [0.0198, 0.1999]). The relation between information insufficiency and information-seeking intentions was moderated by perceived information gathering capacity (b = 0.0070, 95% CI [0.0001, 0.0151]), indicating that individuals with a higher capacity of gathering information were more likely to intend information seeking. Study findings suggest the importance of interventions to promote information seeking for individuals with a low information gathering capacity. Policy makers and clinicians assist the public in obtaining accurate information from reliable sources.

Pandemic Dining Dilemmas: Exploring the Determinants of Korean Consumer Dining-Out Behavior during COVID-19

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant impact on the dining-out industry, this study examined factors influencing consumers’ dining-out behavior changes using a unified theoretical framework based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and select components of the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model. A quantitative research method was employed, analyzing 536 valid survey responses collected in South Korea in early 2021 using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings showed that consumer attitude, perceived control, and subjective norm positively influenced dining-out intention, supporting the TPB. However, risk information-seeking behavior discourages dining-out behavior without significantly affecting intention. Fear emerged as a determinant of dining-out intention, risk information-seeking behavior, and dining-out behavior, highlighting the importance of emotions over rational thinking. This study contributes to existing literature by incorporating dining-out intention, COVID-19-related information-seeking behavior, and fear as key antecedents of dining-out behavior during the pandemic, while validating formative indicators that constitute risk information-seeking behavior and dining-out behavior in the research model.

Expanding on Behavioral Outcomes in the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model: Socio-Cognitive Factors Predicting Information Seeking, Sharing, and Discussion

We employed the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model to identify socio-cognitive factors motivating hunters’ information seeking, sharing, and discussion of the risks of using lead ammunition for hunting. Values, risk perceptions, and informational insufficiency similarly predicted individual- and societal-level informational behavioral intentions. In contrast, knowledge and explicated informational subjective norms (descriptive, dynamic, and injunctive norms) differentially influenced them. Interestingly, there were discrepancies found between theoretical predictions of information sharing and self-reported willingness to share a risk communication video on lead ammunition for hunting, which offers insights about the utility value of the RISP model for practitioners.

Between the Facts and a Hard Place: Trust Judgments and Affective Responses in Information-Seeking Processes During Early COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study examined the formation of trust judgments of information sources about COVID-19 and the role played by emotions in this information seeking process. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews with Americans revealed that both trust and affective responses were present in information seeking of health messages, thus discovering the applicability of Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model’s propositions during pandemics. Using qualitative methods to assess RISP variables in a new context (COVID-19), the study proposes modifications to the existing model. It also extends the socio-psychological traditions on which the RISP model was based, by finding that when evaluating information sources during pandemics, under conditions of high issue relevance, individuals’ peripheral evaluation of messages might precede systematic evaluation and might be used as a selection criteria for further elaboration. Finally, the assessments of source credibility as a peripheral cue in this study expand current theoretical understandings by including compassion as a possible new dimension.

Why do Chinese Youth Seek Cancer Risk Information Online? Evidence from Four Cities

ABSTRACT This study, inspired by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, examines the mechanisms by which perceived hazard characteristics and the informational subjective norms of Chinese youth, aged from 14 to 44 years old, become associated with their intentions to seek cancer risk information online. A sample of 684 Chinese youths was collected from four cities in Mainland China with results revealing that perceived hazard characteristics and informational subjective norms motivate their online cancer risk information seeking intentions. Specifically, perceived probability, perceived severity, and institutional trust are positively related to negative affect, however the relationship between personal control and negative affect is not significant. Institutional trust and personal control are positively related to positive affect while perceived probability and perceived severity have no significant effect on positive affect. Negative affect and informational subjective norms are positively related to perceived information insufficiency, while the relationship between positive affect and perceived information insufficiency is not significant. Negative affect, positive affect, informational subjective norms, and perceived information insufficiency are all positively related to the online cancer risk information seeking intentions of Chinese youth.

Do You See What I See? How Media Choice and Visual Tornado Cues Influence Individual Storm Preparation

Abstract When a tornado hits, there is little time to think through mental checklists for needed items. This study attempted to understand what information sources those in the path of tornados utilized for preparation and how those sources influence people to act. Results from the study indicate that television and radio are the top two information sources, and that some visual graphics—gauged via heat maps to understand higher levels of severe weather preparation—were reported as useful. Contrary to meteorological intentions, results showed that participants were less likely to prepare for impending weather when radar displayed tornado locations and intensity. In addition, those who identified as having more interest in weather-related information in the study were significantly more likely to prepare, along with those who fear future tornadoes. Each variable explored is underpinned by the theory of planned behavior and the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model to better understand behavioral intentions and actions. This study offers two new concepts of general weather that have not previously been explored: interest and general versus specific storm preparation. Significance Statement The purpose of this work is to learn more about how individuals gather information and obtain weather warnings, primarily during tornado events. In particular, the study seeks to understand how individuals view and interpret visual graphics with information about the location and details about the event. Further, results suggest some differences between those who generally prepare for storm season versus those who only prepare for a specific event. Researchers may also be interested to know how weather enthusiasts may differ in their preparatory activities in comparison with nonweather enthusiasts. All of this information will help meteorologists and media professionals to better target their messages during severe weather.

To know or not to know? Exploring COVID-19 information seeking with the risk information seeking and processing model

To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce uncertainty, the public needs accurate and timely information. Inspired by the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, this article discovers the significant predictors of individuals’ COVID-19 information-seeking intention and behaviour. Overall, 394 adult participants from 47 states completed this study’s online survey. The hierarchical regression analysis reveals that risk experience and informational subjective norms are the most substantial predictors of individuals’ online information-seeking behaviour about COVID-19. Information insufficiency did not predict information seeking, and participants tend to overestimate their knowledge about COVID-19. RISP variables tend to share power in explaining the variances of information-seeking behaviour. Moreover, both channel beliefs and perceived information gathering capacity moderate information insufficiency’s prediction of information-seeking intention. These findings will assist researchers in discovering the fundamental motivation of information seeking. This article can guide pragmatic interventions to reduce the public’s uncertainty and mitigate the risk.

위험정보탐색처리(RISP) 모형을 적용한 COVID-19 위험지각이 새벽배송 신선식품 구매의도에 미치는 영향

Purpose - The current study is was empirically analyze risk factors and changes in food purchase consumption perceived by consumers to which the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model is applied. Design, data, and methodology -The online survey was performed, and a total of 310 questionnaires were distributed online. And then 291 questionnaires were used for the analysis. After verifying the reliability, validity and feasibility of the suggested model, the relationship of the research model was analyzed. Result - This study found out that information seeking and systematic processing promoted buying behaviors to use early-morning delivery services. The present study showed statistically significant results for the all paths. Conclusions -The results of this current study provides marketing strategic and practical information that can maximize customer behavior. Also the results of this study suggested practical application in the food field. The related to the risk perception of COVID-19 can be more systematically understood and measured quantitatively by food consumers.

Information Seeking and Processing during the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan: Examining the Effects of Emotions and Informational Subjective Norms.

Adopting the model of risk information seeking and processing (RISP) as a theoretical framework, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors that prompted individuals’ information-seeking and -processing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. There were two unique aspects in this study: one was to adopt specific emotions to investigate the impact of negative emotions, and the other was to examine the effect of informational subjective norms (ISNs) on information-seeking and -processing behavior. An online survey was conducted by a professional polling company, and a stratified random sampling method was employed, using gender, age, education, personal income, and residential areas as strata to select participants. This study obtained 1100 valid questionnaires. The results showed that (1) risk perception did not exert any significant impacts on respondents’ perceived information insufficiency; (2) risk perception exerted a powerful impact on respondents’ ISNs, which, in turn, positively affected their information insufficiency; (3) the respondents who experienced fear were found to have a high probability of using a systematic-processing mode, while the respondents who experienced anger were more likely to adopt a heuristic-processing mode to process information; and (4) the use of a systematic-processing mode was positively associated, while the use of a heuristic-processing mode was negatively associated, with information-seeking behavior.

Modeling Electronic-Cigarette Users’ Risk Information Avoidance

ABSTRACT The current study examined e-cigarette users’ risk information avoidance (i.e., RIA), which is a significant challenge to e-cigarette risk communication. Applying and extending previous RIA studies and the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model, this study identified the predictors of e-cigarette users’ RIA with a comprehensive model that incorporated new roles for scientific uncertainty and relevant channel beliefs. Responses collected from an online survey were analyzed (N = 593) and support was found for two pathways that explain e-cigarette users’ motivation for RIA. One suggests heightened risk perceptions were associated with strong negative affective responses that include fear, anger, sadness, and guilt. These affective responses, in turn, were positively associated with RIA intentions. The second was a direct, positive association between scientific uncertainty and RIA as well as an indirect path mediated by relevant channel beliefs. More specifically, scientific uncertainty was negatively associated with quality perceptions of e-cigarette information making it more likely e-cigarette users would avoid it. Suggestions for how to prevent or mitigate these processes that result in e-cigarette users’ maladaptive response of RIA are discussed.

An Application of the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model in Understanding College Students' COVID-19 Vaccination Information Seeking and Behavior.

This study tested the utility of risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model in understanding college students’ information seeking about COVID-19 vaccines and their vaccination behavior. Participants (N = 158) completed a survey measuring the RISP constructs at Time 1 and their COVID-19 vaccination behavior at Time 2. The RISP model explained 71.1% of the variance in COVID-19 vaccine information seeking. Risk information seeking and attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine positively influenced college students’ intentions to get the vaccine, which positively predicted their vaccination behavior. Overall, these variables explained 33.4% of the variance in COVID-19 vaccine intention, and 37.2% of the variance in COVID-19 vaccination behavior.

Explaining education-based difference in systematic processing of COVID-19 information: Insights into global recovery from infodemic

Systematic processing helps individuals identify misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as an individual-level measure to fight the infodemic. Highly educated people tend to engage in systematic processing more than their less educated counterparts. We follow a major part of the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model to explicate this gap. An online survey (N = 1,568) conducted during the early stage of the pandemic in China showed that current knowledge and perceived information gathering capacity both positively mediated the association between education level and systematic processing. Although informational subjective norms were positively associated with systematic processing, we did not observe a significant difference in these norms between highly and less educated individuals. The results clarify the psychological mechanism underlying the education-based difference in systematic processing of the COVID-19 information and corroborate a relevant part of the RISP model. Moreover, our findings offer practical implications for facilitating individuals with less educational attainment to engage in systematic processing, thereby alleviating the negative impact of exposure to misinformation on them. These insights not only apply to managing the infodemic in China, but also inform the global recovery from the infodemic.

Delineating Antecedents and Outcomes of Information Seeking Upon Exposure to an Environmental Video Opposing Single-Use Plastics

ABSTRACT As environmental threats mount around the world, advocacy groups are exploring novel ways to reach the populace and spur them into action. The current study employs an experimental design with a control condition and a group that watched a pro-environmental video to test the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model. A short environmental advocacy video demonstrated the ability to engage viewers in combatting the problem of single-use plastic overproduction by increasing risk perception, generating negative affect, encouraging information seeking, and fostering pro-environmental civic participation intentions. The present study contributes important theoretical insights to the RISP model and provides meaningful practical applications in the fight to protect our planet.

Where the rubber of the RISP model meets the road: Contextualizing risk information seeking and processing with an avalanche bulletin user typology

In risk communication research, the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model has established itself as a valuable tool for explaining differences in how people reason with risk information. However, the generic nature of its dependent variables, information seeking (routine or nonroutine) and processing (heuristic or systematic), seems to limit its capacity to produce tangible directives for improving risk communication product design. Studying avalanche risk communication provides an opportunity to conduct empirical research to better understand how information seeking and processing behaviors explicitly manifest themselves in a specific context and with respect to a particular product. The primary tool that avalanche warning services use to inform winter backcountry recreationists about avalanche hazard is the public avalanche bulletin, which summarizes conditions for a mountain region over a given time. Addressing an industry need to evaluate avalanche bulletin effectiveness for the range of backcountry recreationists in Canada, we conducted 46 semi-structured interviews with an inclusive sample to shed light onto how recreationists incorporate bulletin information into backcountry travel decisions. We combined applied thematic analysis with correspondence analysis to detect and classify patterns in recreationists' bulletin use into an Avalanche Bulletin User Typology that explicitly describes users’ information seeking and processing behaviors. The identified patterns reveal a distinct hierarchy in the complexity of information reasoning, which parallels the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy, a well-established education theory. The results illustrate new opportunities for designing risk communication products with evidence-based and context-specific guidance to reach and resonate with audiences more effectively.

Science communication training as information seeking and processing: a theoretical approach to training early-career scientists

This study examines early-career scientists' cognition, affect, and behaviors before, during, and after a series of science communication training workshops drawing from the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) and Theory of Planned Behavior theoretical models. We find correlations between engagement (throughout the training), self-reported knowledge and intention to apply their science communication skills. We discuss implications of these findings for science communication training, in particular that science communication behaviors and investment in skill development appear to be more dependent on attitudes and motivations cultivated during the training, rather than their attitudes and motivations coming in.

Generation Z and CRISPR: Measuring information processing using animated infographics

CRISPR gene-editing technology, as it relates to food, has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry. Currently, 40% of global consumers are categorized as Generation Z. Gen Zer’s are digital natives and use Instagram to discover new products; therefore, it is important to understand the most effective communications strategies to engage this segment of consumers with scientific information that will allow for informed decision-making regarding CRISPR technology. Infographics are a form of data visualization that can be used in a static or animated form. Previous studies have shown animated infographics to garner greater attention from respondents. Using the Heuristic-Systematic Processing Model (HSM) and the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model as the guiding theoretical framework, this study used an experimental design to investigate respondents’ information recall ability of CRISPR information using infographics. The results from the current study indicated respondents heuristically processed the information about CRISPR displayed to them through an infographic, as statistically significant differences were measured between the animated infographic treatment group and the respondent’s recall ability on only 2 of the 3 recall questions asked. The exploration of demographic characteristics found a moderating effect on recall ability for only the static treatment group and political ideology. Key findings in the current research suggest the implementation of animated infographics may aid in more effective agricultural messaging if kept to one point of information and have a source of credibility.