Hazard and Outrage: Developing a Psychometric Instrument in the Aftermath of Katrina

Abstract

This article details the development of a psychometric instrument measuring the constructs of hazard and outrage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The study focused on the interplay of perceived hazard and outrage in relation to evacuation from the New Orleans area, with specific attention to demographic differences. Perceptions of hazard and outrage during Katrina served to illustrate the utility of the scale in examining these responses across different demographic groups. Possible ways that this information can be used to design messages that alert audiences to hazards, yet successfully address the need for outrage, emerged from the study.

Keywords:

• Hurricane Katrina
• Risk
• Crisis
• Hazard
• Outrage

Note: Authorship was determined by a coin flip as each of the authors contributed equally to this article.

Note: Authorship was determined by a coin flip as each of the authors contributed equally to this article.

Notes

Note: Authorship was determined by a coin flip as each of the authors contributed equally to this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kenneth A. Lachlan

Ken Lachlan (Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2003) is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Department at Boston College

Patric R. Spence

Patric R. Spence (Ph.D., Wayne State University, 2005) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at Calvin College