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Guidelines for Transparent Communication in a Globalized World

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Transparent Communication of Health Risks

Abstract

In this book we have examined the broad theme of risk communication, distinguishing three central topics: (1) cultural differences in understanding health-related risks, (2) the use of information formats for enhancing transparent communication of these risks, and (3) methods for overcoming cultural differences in decision making about health. Each of these topics was examined in detail in several chapters analyzing specific problems across different cultures. In turn, each chapter included a review of the relevant literature, an original empirical study illuminating a specific problem, and a discussion of practical and theoretical implications. Across all these chapters and topics, results have converged to demonstrate that many problems associated with risk illiteracy are not simply the result of cognitive biases preventing good decision making. Rather, errors occur because ineffective information formats complicate and mislead adaptive decision makers. In closing, this chapter ties together the preceding chapters and synthesizes guidelines for transparent communication. Information formats that exploit people’s inherent capacity to recognize relationships in naturally occurring problems (so-called transparent information formats) can dramatically enhance risk comprehension, communication, and recall and foster better decisions about health regardless of culture.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Facultad de Psicología, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain

    Rocio Garcia-Retamero Ph.D.

  2. Center for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, Berlin, 14195, Germany

    Rocio Garcia-Retamero Ph.D. & Mirta Galesic Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Rocio Garcia-Retamero Ph.D.
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  2. Mirta Galesic Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Rocio Garcia-Retamero Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Departmento de Psicologia Experimental, Universidad de Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain

    Rocio Garcia-Retamero

  2. , Ctr for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition, Max Planck Institute for Human Dev., Lentzeallee 94, Berlin, 14195, Germany

    Mirta Galesic

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Garcia-Retamero, R., Galesic, M. (2012). Guidelines for Transparent Communication in a Globalized World. In: Garcia-Retamero, R., Galesic, M. (eds) Transparent Communication of Health Risks. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4358-2_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4358-2_14

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