Developing a Measure of Perceived Environmental Risk

Abstract

This study conceptually and empirically develops a scale that measures perceptions of environmental risk (PER). PER is a measure that is different from the measure of environmental knowledge but equally important because people tend to act on their perceptions regardless of whether they are accurate. A reliable and valid assessment of perceived environmental risk is important for environmental education because it will provide a general overview of the present state of perceptions regarding environmental risk, and it will provide measures of specific environmental issues. Therefore, this type of scale either can provide a comprehensive measure for environmental education programs or can measure specific selected items that apply to certain situations or programs, or both. Administrators and teachers could use this scale to indicate the effectiveness of environmental education programs. We define perceptions of environmental risk as a general measurement of risk which assesses the degree to which one perceives danger, peril, or hazards to either self, community, society, or all three, in regard to specific environmental issues. In developing this scale, we used various heterogenous groups across multiple studies to affirm the scale's validity and reliability.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Michael Weber

John Michael Weber is an assistant professor, Andreas School of Business, Barry University, Miami, FL. Joseph F. Hair, Jr. is the director of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Education and Family Business Studies, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Claudia R. Fowler is with Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Baton Rouge, LA.