Biases and influencing factors in risk perception

Abstract

The aims of this paper are to analyze the causes and implications of risk perceptions and to review the theories developed nowadays. One of the main concepts outlined in risk psychology literature is cognitive biases, which refers to cognitive shortcuts used subconsciously by every individual in order to understand a hazardous situation and act upon it. The qualitative research for this study has identified various ways to process risks and various associations made by respondents when talking about the risks perceived in their lives. Some of the answers have been gathered in this paper, which tries to identify connections with well-known biases in risk psychology. Research findings will help in the elaboration of the author’s PhD thesis.