As people receive a lot of information from risk events and objects, they process such information by adopting specific information processing models. HSM(Heuristic-Systematic Information Process Model) suggested by Shelly Chaiken (1980), is well known model in information processing: The heuristic mode uses the least amount of cognitive processing and is governed by availability, accessibility, and applicability. The systematic mode involves more effortful processing to comprehend, analyze, and determine the reliability of the information.
Although HSM well explains the risk information processing, it has some limits; It does not cover the processing attributes such as rational or emotional ones because it gave heavily priority on the elaboration of processing. The information processing mechanism should include not only degree of elaboration abut also attributes of processing.
Based on survey data, we will test the function of REM(the power of Rational-Emotional Information Processing Model), compared to HSM in acceptance of nuclear power energy. We examine both how direct effect of REM and HSM on the acceptance occurs and in which ways two process models (REM, HSM) moderate the relationships between antecedents (perceived risk, perceived benefit, knowledge, trust and stigma) and predicted variable (acceptance of nuclear power).
Our researches will provide the evidences for new alternative information processing models in risk judgement.