Perceived damage preventability, knowledge, and preparation for earthquakes

Abstract

The study tests five hypotheses: first that there is a positive relationship between knowledge and perceived preventability; second that damage will be seen as more preventable when specific information about property owners is presented, than when general information it presented; third that damage will be seen at more preventable when specific preparation information is presented, than when general preparation information is presented; forth that there is a positive relationship between perceived preventability and preparation; and fifth that there is a positive relationship between perceived preventability and knowledge. Suburban residents of Wellington (N=177) completed a questionnaire assessing perceived preventability, earthquake related knowledge and preparation. Support was found for a relationship between knowledge and preparation, but only one type of knowledge was correlated with preparation. A comparison of general verses specific scenarios revealed no significant difference in subject's responses. A comparison of general versus specific information showed that subjects thought specific damage situations were more preventable than general ones. No evidence was found to support the fourth and fifth hypotheses. The findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications and also in terms of their practical application. Directions for future research are also suggested.