New Perspectives on Diffusion of Earthquake Knowledge

Abstract

This article contrasts different perspectives concerning the diffusion of earthquake knowledge among non-scientific audiences. The perspective that underlies much of current information dissemination efforts is a “producer-user” model. This model assumes a stable set of knowledge producers and an identifiable set of knowledge users. An alternative perspective is an “issue networks” model. This model assumes a more fluid set of actors and issues linked by common concerns about earthquake hazards. This latter model is suggested as a more accurate depiction of knowledge diffusion within the state and local earthquake policy arenas. This portrayal also leads to consideration of new strategies for disseminating seismological, earthquake engineering and related knowledge.