Understanding Risk
Understanding Risk
An RSI Understanding Risk method

Public perception research

Public perception research is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.

Broadly

Public perception research investigates how individuals and communities interpret, prioritize, and emotionally respond to risks. It draws on psychology, sociology, and communication studies, often using surveys, interviews, or sentiment analysis. Understanding public perception is critical for anticipating behavior, designing communication strategies, and gauging policy support. Limitations include social desirability bias, sampling difficulties, and the fluidity of opinion.

More specifically

RSI conducts public perception research to inform risk communication plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and regulatory initiatives. Its multidisciplinary teams ensure that perception data is rigorously gathered and contextually analyzed. RSI helps clients understand not just what the public thinks, but why—and how that shapes the effectiveness of risk interventions.

Methods for understanding, managing, and communicating risk