Values and risk perception : a cross-cultural examination
Author
Güvenç, Gülbanu
Advisor
Önkal, Dilek
Date
2008Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between
individual values and risk perception of terror attacks. This relationship is
examined via a study employing university students from Turkey (n = 536) and
Israel (n = 298). Those two countries share an ongoing threat of terror attacks, but
differ in their socio-cultural backgrounds. Schwartz Value Theory (1992; 1994) is
used to conceptualize and measure values. Cognitive and emotional responses
about (1) potentially being exposed to a terror attack, and (2) a terror attack
potentially occurring in the country are assessed to measure risk perception.
Results partly support the hypotheses by showing expected associations of values
with risk perception, as well as indicating gender differences and cultural
variations. The more importance the Turkish and Israeli participants attribute to
self-direction values, the less emotional they feel about the threat of being
exposed to a terror attack. However, the greater priority they attribute to security values, the more negative affect they express about both threats. Furthermore, the
more importance they give to hedonism & stimulation values, the less likely they
perceive the likelihood of both threats. Current findings are discussed in relation
to previous results, theoretical approaches, and practical implications.