Attitudes toward Nuclear Power: A Longitudinal Analysis of Expectancy-Value Models
Hughey, J. B., Sundstrom, E., & Lounsbury, J. W. (1985). Attitudes toward nuclear power: A longitudinal analysis of expectancy-value models. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 6, 1, 75-91.
Three expectancy-value models were applied to attitudes toward a nuclear power plant among 213 adult residents who twice completed a survey at 5-yr intervals. Attitudes were predominantly favorable at the 1st survey but became predominantly negative over time. A basic expectancy-value model and 2 extensions of the model based on factor scores accounted for significant proportions of variance in attitudes at both times. All 3 models lost some predictive power by the 2nd survey, but the 2 modifications showed less loss than the basic model. Perceived hazards of the nuclear plant, its potential economic benefits, and its potential to create social disruption were the best predictors of attitudes in the 2 factor-based models. Findings suggest that Ss' attitudes reflected a cognitive trade-off. Implications for expectancy-value models and social impact assessment are discussed. (28 ref)
