Abstract
Three studies were conducted to test the effects of availability and knowledge on favorability ratings toward nuclear power. In the first study, students listed advantages, risks, or both of using nuclear power; then they rated their favorability toward nuclear power generation. Data analyzed using a strict criterion for inclusion supported the availability heuristic in that those listing advantages were more favorable than those listing risks. Additionally, ratings from participants who were able to list more advantages tended to be more favorable. In a second study, students were asked to list disadvantages as opposed to risks. While not statistically significant, the number of disadvantages listed was positively related to favorability, suggesting the possibility that favorability is related to a person's knowledge of nuclear power issues. Thus, a third study was conducted to determine the relationship between favorability and knowledge. A positive correlation was found between favorability and tested knowledge of nuclear power.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.