Lay and Expert Perceptions of Planetary Protection

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Date

1998

Authors

MacGregor, Donald G.
Slovic, Paul
Race, Margaret

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Decision Research

Abstract

As space scientists and engineers plan new missions to Mars and other planets in our solar system, they will face critical questions about the potential for biological contamination of planetary surfaces. In a society that places ever-increasing importance on the role of public involvement in science and technology policy, questions about risks of biological contamination will be examined and debated in the media, and will lead to the formation of public perceptions of planetary-contamination risks. These perceptions will, over time, form an important input to the development of space policy.

Description

8 pages

Keywords

Lay, Experts, Perception, Planetary protection

Citation

MacGregor, D. G., Slovic, P., & Race, M. S. (1998). Lay and expert perceptions of planetary protection (Report No. 98-2). Eugene, OR: Decision Research.