Psychometric Paradigm

The Psychometric Paradigm is a way to understand how people perceive and evaluate risks. It focuses on two main factors: how controllable and familiar a risk feels, and how severe and dreaded it is. For example, people might see flying as less risky than driving because they feel more in control. This framework helps explain why different risks are viewed differently—some seem more acceptable while others provoke fear—by analyzing these perceptions. It’s a useful tool for researchers and policymakers to predict public responses to various hazards and design better communication strategies.