Writer’s choice

Format: submit a doc, docx, rtf, txt, or pdf file
Length: 900-1100 words
Wordcount: include word count at the start of the paper
Material to use: papers posted on iLearn Week 3 and Week 4 by Slovic (2002), Marris et
al.(1997), Oltedal et al. (2004) and Rippl (2002)
Overview
The aim of this essay is to examine and compare two theories of risk perception: the
psychological theory and the socio-cultural theory. For each theory, you should explain the main
claims of the theory about our perception of risk, the strength (what is presented as empirical
evidence for the theory) and the weakness (one or two of the main objections that has been
formulated against the theory). In the conclusion, offer your own comparative evaluation based
on what you have said in your essay (which one, if any, seems more credible). You will need to
be concise and relevant.
Assignment description:
Compose an essay discussing the following questions:
• What is risk perception – illustrate with a simple example
• What is the psychological theory of risk perception call psychometric paradigm:
– What are the main claims of the theory about the perception of risk?
– What empirical evidence are there to support the theory and how are they gathered
– Explain one or two important objections that have been made against this theory
(objections are generally directed at assumptions that are made by the proponents of the
theory).
• What is the socio-cultural theory of risk perception
– What are the main claims of the theory about the perception of risk
– What empirical evidence are there to support the theory?
– Explain one or two important objections that have been formulated against the theory
(objections are generally directed at assumptions that are made by the proponents of the
theory).
• What is your own comparative evaluation based on what you have said in your essay (which
one, if any, seems more credible).
Writing and Structural Notes:
• No quotation longer than one or two sentences. Overall, quotations should NOT be more that
5% of the paper.
• Advice: Write as if your reader was an undergraduate student, smart, but not familiar with
the ideas and papers you are discussing.
• As much as possible, use your own words, and simple, plain sentences.
Avoid technical terms and jargon.
• Be concise and informative: each sentence should have the purpose of saying something – no
repetition, no filling
• Create different sections for the parts of the essay and different paragraphs for the different
points that you are addressing
• Be sure to include a proper introduction and conclusion. An introduction should do the
following:
o Introduce the reader to the topic. That is, explain in general terms
what the topic is, what the issue(s) is(are), and why the reader should care
about it.
o Introduce the reader to what will be done in the essay: explain briefly what will be the
different parts of the essay, that is, provide a roadmap
• Make sure the structure of your paper matches the roadmap provided in the introduction
• Cite all sources using both in-text citations and a works cited page.