Evaluating the effectiveness of analogies in an infographic on low-dose radiation

Abstract

The aim of this research is to address misconceptions about Low Dose Radiation (LDR) by using analogies. The nuclear industry has shown that trust is asymmetrical, meaning it is easily lost and hard to regain. This was evident in Saskatchewan, where a public inquiry in 2008 revealed a significant lack of trust. Conversely, Saskatchewan possesses one of the largest uranium reserves globally, offering a carbon-neutral energy source. Additionally, it is increasingly cost-effective in the context of carbon pricing, making it an appealing option to fulfill the province’s energy and carbon objectives while ensuring energy security. The choice of analogies is based on their proven effectiveness as a teaching tool over time. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a brief training program, delivered through infographics, on the public’s perception of LDR. The effectiveness of this infographic was assessed by comparing it with another that presented LDR information differently, focusing on protocols and safety regulations in hospitals and nuclear power plants. Additionally, the training included an infographic that outlined basic benefits of LDR, such as its use in diagnosis and therapy, and highlighted scientific sources. The methodology employed involved focus groups, which were conducted in three provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Respondents were divided into three focus groups, with approximately eight individuals per infographic. With two infographics in total, this amounted to about 48 participants per province, culminating in a total sample size of 150 people across the three provinces. A Small Modular Reactor, known as an SMR, represents a compact version of traditional nuclear reactors and is engineered for simplified and adaptable installation due to its reduced size and power output. For the data analysis 4 outcome variables were created to make an SPSS binary logistic regression to assess the possibilities to generate positive LDR perceptions; the possibilities to generate positive LDR perceptions and/or concluding that LDR outweigh the risk; the possibilities to generate positive LDR perceptions and/or having positive SMR support; and the 4th variable was the generation of positive SMR support after accessing the infographic. For the qualitative analysis the responses of the open-ended questions pre-infographic, and the learning and concerns post-infographic were reviewed. This research indicates that females may have a more positive attitude towards LDR when presented with Infographic 2, which details protocols and safety rules in hospitals and nuclear power plants. Conversely, males may feel more secure when exposed to Infographic 1, which utilized analogies. Notably, in Saskatchewan, Infographic 1 effectively garnered positive support for SMRs among females. Age consistently emerged as an independent variable that negatively affected the outcome variables most of the time. Meanwhile, income and education levels had a minimal impact on these outcomes. Keywords: LDR positive perceptions, LDR misperceptions, positive SMR support, climate change solution, trust in scientists, benefits from LDR, teaching protocols and rules, teaching analogies.