Risk communication should therefore be based on the principle that people process new information in
(40) the context of their existing beliefs. If people know nothing about a topic they will find messages about that topic incomprehensible, If they have erroneous beliefs, they are likely to misconstrue the messages. Thus, communicators need to know the nature and
(45) extent of recipients knowledge and beliefs in order to design messages that will not be dismissed or misinterpreted. This need was demonstrated in a research project concerning the public’s level of knowledge about risks posed by the presence of radon
(50) in the home. Researchers used open-ended interviews and questionnaires to determine what information should be included in their brochure on radon. Subjects who read the researchers’ brochure performed significantly better in understanding radon risks than significantly better in understanding radon risks than
(60) about technological risks
1. Which one of the following best expresses the main point of the passage?