ABSTRACT
Increased calls for public engagement in risk communication efforts have been accompanied by a surge in research examining the outcomes of such engagement. Particularly in situations where experts and authorities communicate with the public, understanding how the various methods used for public engagement might influence the public's response to risk is essential. Accordingly, research has focused on whether different methods might influence people's concern about risk or belief in the trustworthiness of experts or authorities. Research has also been driven by an interest in understanding what people want in a public engagement process and, correspondingly, what might keep them involved or drive them away. For risk communication, it is essential to address such questions as they relate experts' ability to characterize risk effectively, provide risk information to people that most need it, and listen to those who need to be heard.
