Attitudes towards the risks involved in science in the 'real world' reflected their rational view that risk can be reduced by the strict implementation of safety standards. Although potentially very dangerous, it was generally felt that, in this country at least, science is so tightly controlled that it is probably safer than other activities where there may be a tendency towards complacency. Some risk is of course inevitable. R12.9 The above seems very rational and sensible. However, in reality it was recognised that people are not always like this, and that risk awareness, assessment and response are influenced by a myriad of factors, many of which are subjective and operate at an emotional rather than a rational level.
Perception is everything.
It was felt that major news stories highlighting a particular danger can generate a response out of all proportion to the risk involved. They work at an emotional level, shocking people out of complacency and playing on inner fears. Only when the press spotlight has moved on do the public become responsive to the rational, fuller picture that puts the actual danger in perspective so that more balanced judgements are taken. This small scale preliminary research study provides the reassurance that most students interviewed knew how to respond to risk in a rational, constructive manner, even if they did not always do so. Science and DT lessons were seen to teach children that potentially hazardous materials can be handled safely, and that safety procedures, control and alertness are key to risk minimisation.