Essay

Based on the provided research context regarding the post-September 11 survey on risk perception, identify the general findings concerning risk overestimation, the differences (or lack thereof) between demographic groups (sex and age), and explain the specific emotional priming manipulation and its result.

Question: Based on the provided research context regarding the post-September 11 survey on risk perception, identify the general findings concerning risk overestimation, the differences (or lack thereof) between demographic groups (sex and age), and explain the specific emotional priming manipulation and its result.

Sample answer: Following the September 11 attacks, the survey research showed that participants generally tended to overestimate most risks. Demographically, females overestimated risks more than males, while there was no difference in risk perception between teens and adults. To test the role of emotion, researchers incorporated an experimental manipulation by priming participants to feel either anger or fear. The results revealed that individuals primed to feel anger perceived significantly less risk than those primed to feel fear.

Key points:

  • Participants generally overestimated most risks.
  • Females overestimated risks more than males.
  • There were no differences in risk perception between teens and adults.
  • The experimental manipulation primed participants to feel either anger or fear.
  • Individuals primed to feel anger perceived significantly less risk than those primed to feel fear.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the answer must correctly recall: 1) the general tendency to overestimate risks, 2) that females overestimated risks more than males, 3) that teens and adults showed no differences in risk perception, 4) the experimental priming of anger vs. fear, and 5) that anger priming led to lower perceived risk than fear priming.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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