understanding human decision-making and behavior during tornado warning events
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Understanding Human Decision-Making and Behavior during Tornado Warning Events. Nicholas Humphrey Department of Interdisciplinary Studies South Dakota State University. Acknowledgements. Dr. Katherine Erdman-Becker, Interdisciplinary Studies, SDSU - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Understanding Human Decision-Making and Behavior during Tornado Warning Events
Nicholas HumphreyDepartment of Interdisciplinary Studies
South Dakota State University
AcknowledgementsDr. Katherine Erdman-Becker,
Interdisciplinary Studies, SDSUDr. Michael Wimberly, GIS Center of
Excellence, SDSUDr. Mark Anderson, Earth and Atmospheric
Sciences, UNLDr. Katherine Sherman-Morris, Geosciences,
Mississippi State UniversityKim Klockow, PhD candidate, Geography, OU Support from family and friends!
Defining the Problem
Photo by Wikipedia user Ks0Stm
Defining the ProblemThe National Weather Service issues tornado
warnings to provide urgent information and help people protect themselves from a dangerous meteorological hazard.
However, evidence suggests that many do not respond properly to warnings with protective action.
Evidence gathered via National Weather Service post-event assessments as well as other scientific survey/interview research.
Tuscaloosa, AL Tornado (2011)
Photo by Mike Wilhelm
Joplin, MO Tornado (2011)
Photo by David Eulitt
Call-to-ActionCall-t0-Action Statement:
THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. IF YOUCANNOT GET UNDERGROUND GO TO A STORM SHELTER OR AN INTERIOR ROOM OF ASTURDY BUILDING NOW.
Tornado Warning ComplianceThe behavior by which an individual takes
protective action in response to a tornado warning can be referred to as compliance.
Compliance can be further defined by the terms hard, soft, and non-compliance.
Hard Compliance: “Instant” intent to take action.
Soft Compliance: Delayed intent until condition is met.
Non-Compliance: No intent to take action.
Research QuestionsWhy do people behave the way they do
during tornado warnings? How can compliance with tornado warning
call-to-action statements for protective action be improved?
Sub-Disciplines Weather Forecasting MeteorologyHazard GeographyCognitive PsychologySocial Psychology
MethodologyInterdisciplinary Research Process
Disciplinary Literature ReviewIdentifying ConflictsFinding common ground through integration
techniques
Literature Review – Key TheoriesRisk Communication TheoryDifferentiation and Consolidation TheorySignal Detection TheoryTheory of Planned BehaviorSocial Exchange Theory
Conflict between TheoriesRisk Communication Theory explains the
communication process from the reception of the warning to the response. The process of how one actually believes, personalizes and responds are not explained.
Psychological theories provide variables for decision-making and behavior. The theories do not deal with the communication process leading to the response to warnings.
Integration Strategy and Resultant Interdisciplinary Theory
Theory ExtensionThe extension in the scope of a disciplinary
theory to encompass the variables of other disciplinary theories.
Extended Risk Communication TheoryIntegrates Risk Communication Theory and the
psychological theories of decision-making and behavior.
ImplicationsIndividuals go through circular decision-
making processes by which they ultimately respond to a tornado warning.
Process may take time and may be accompanied by criteria by which must be met before responding. Explains why most individuals are “soft compliant”.
Tornado warnings are treated as individual phenomenon to people as opposed to geographical phenomeon.
Recommendations for Meteorologists/Emergency Managers
When a tornado warning is issued, provide as much impact-based information as possible.
Change attitudes toward taking protective action and the value of such action.
Meteorologists must understand they are not the only source of influence within the minds of people who are making decisions during tornado warnings.
Questions?