A Multilevel Model of Risk and Benefit Perception

Abstract

Using nanotechnology as a case study, this study proposes a multilevel model for the examination of public assessment of benefits and risks. Specifically, this study focuses on the impact of values, including religiosity and trust at the micro level and cultural worldviews at the macro level. Based on data collected from 21 countries, including the US and 20 European countries, the results suggested that aggregate cultural worldviews and values not only exerted a direct impact on public perception of benefits and risks, they also moderated the influence of value predispositions at the individual level. The fact that survey respondents were nested within different cultures makes this research an ideal example to illustrate the value of multilevel modeling.