Jessica S. Ancker|Elke U. Weber|Rita Kukafka
Effects of Game-Like Interactive Graphics on Risk Perceptions and Decisions
Columbia University|Columbia University|Columbia University
background many patients difficulty interpreting risks described statistical terms percentages computer game technology offers opportunity experience often event occurs rather simply read frequency objective assess effects interactive graphics risk perceptions decisions design electronic questionnaire participants setting respondents n 165 recruited online urban hospital intervention health risks illustrated either static graphics interactive gamelike graphics interactive search graphic grid squares clicked revealed stick figures underneath respondents click found figure affected disease measurements risk feelings risk estimates intention take preventive action results different graphics affect mean risk estimates risk feelings intention lownumeracy participants reported significantly higher risk feelings highnumeracy ones except interactive search graphic unexpectedly respondents reported stronger intentions take preventive action intention question followed questions efficacy disease severity followed perceived risk questions 65 v 34 p lt 0001 respondents reported risk feelings immediately using search graphic interaction affected perceived risk longer search find affected stick figures higher risk feeling 057 p 0009 limitations authors used hypothetical decisions conclusions gamelike graphic allowed consumers search stick figures affected disease main effect risk perception reduced differences based numeracy one condition gamelike graphic increased concern rare risks intentions preventive action stronger question order focused first efficacy disease severity one focused first perceived risk