Perceived vs Actual Risk

[sillygrendel]

Just curious...

 

[Blackwood]

I answered "less" because the level of contingency planning that goes into my diving is quite likely overkill.

 

[Walter]

Is it just me or is the poll flawed? If you choose the first answer, you understand the extra risk is there so the first answer is incorrect. If you choose the second answer you understand it's not as risky as you might have thought, so the second answer is incorrect. If you choose the third answer (and everyone should be choosing the third answer), how do you know you aren't way off base?

 

[sillygrendel]

Is it just me or is the poll flawed? If you choose the first answer, you understand the extra risk is there so the first answer is incorrect. If you choose the second answer you understand it's not as risky as you might have thought, so the second answer is incorrect. If you choose the third answer (and everyone should be choosing the third answer), how do you know you aren't way off base?

Very possibly, assuming you've actually thought about the risks involved. There is also the 'gut' perception of risk. For example - I have a little bit of a fear of heights. I also rock climb. It took me a while to higher/more exposed stuff even with good protection/toprope. To get there required gradually adjusting my perception of the risk involved while climbing.

 

[do it easy]

My biggest concern is that I'm not paranoid enough

 

[DiverBeth]

Is it just me or is the poll flawed? If you choose the first answer, you understand the extra risk is there so the first answer is incorrect. If you choose the second answer you understand it's not as risky as you might have thought, so the second answer is incorrect. If you choose the third answer (and everyone should be choosing the third answer), how do you know you aren't way off base?

I've never been on base

 

[jon m]

I picked the first, because I probably don’t know enough to know when I’m in danger. But I do my best…

 

[BKP]

Is it just me or is the poll flawed? If you choose the first answer, you understand the extra risk is there so the first answer is incorrect. If you choose the second answer you understand it's not as risky as you might have thought, so the second answer is incorrect. If you choose the third answer (and everyone should be choosing the third answer), how do you know you aren't way off base?

You're right... catch 22.

Kind've like the statement: "Everything I say is a lie..."

 

[Charlie99]

Is it just me or is the poll flawed? If you choose the first answer, you understand the extra risk is there so the first answer is incorrect. If you choose the second answer you understand it's not as risky as you might have thought, so the second answer is incorrect. If you choose the third answer (and everyone should be choosing the third answer), how do you know you aren't way off base?

Paraphrase: you don't know what you don't know.


As far as people's ability to judge risk, I've noticed a tendency to overestimate unusual or not well understood risks and to underestimate risks that we are freqently exposed to and are familiar with.

For example most people are desensitized and underestimate the risk of death or injury from an automobile accident. On the other side, people tend to overestimate any risk in which the term "nuclear" is involved, or in which the risk is spectacular and dramatic, such as a shark attack or lightning strike.

 

[Adobo]

Just curious...

There should be a fourth option - "Sillygrendel should go back to work."