Is Telling the Truth the Answer to Effective Radiation ...radiationcounseling.org/docs/EffectiveCommunication.pdf · Answer to Effective Radiation ... radiation safety, ... Is Telling

Is Telling the Truth the Answer to Effective Radiation

Risk Communication ?

Health Physics Society Professional Enrichment Program

(PEP W - 4)

Wednesday 12:15 – 2:15 pm July 16, 2014

Baltimore, MD

Ray Johnson, MS, PSE, PE, FHPS, CHP

Director, Radiation Safety Counseling Institute 16440 Emory Lane

Rockville, MD 20853 301-3770-8573

Is Telling the Truth the Answer to Effective Radiation Risk Communication?

PEP M‐4 – Wednesday 12:15 ‐2:15 PM, July 16, 2014 ‐ Baltimore, MD Ray Johnson, MS, PSE, PE, FHPS, CHP

Director, Radiation Safety Counseling Institute [email protected]

A well known health physicist once told me, while shaking his finger in my face, “The answer to risk communication is simple, just tell people the truth!” I responded to say, “I believe in telling the truth, however, my studies show that truth has a different meaning to different people.” This HP then left in great disgust saying, “I can see that we are diametrically opposed.” My studies of nearly 4,000 radiation safety specialists with the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI a trademark of Consulting Psychologists Press) show that for the majority of HPs truth is what can be defended by logical rational analysis and corroborated by peers. However, for the majority of the general public truth may be what is best for people taking into account the circumstances, feelings, and emotions. These two views of the truth can be very different and both groups will honestly believe they are right and will swear they are telling the truth in a courtroom. The question to consider today is whether telling the “technical” truth about radiation is working? Have public sentiments against radiation mellowed over the decades since the advent of nuclear weapons? I believe most will agree that the public is as concerned about radiation safety today as they were decades ago. After all we now have proof that nuclear technology can go wrong (Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and now Fukushima Dai-ichi). Apparently the truth we are telling people about radiation risks is not generally accepted. This begs the question, “How do people determine the truth?” Insights on this question have been presented in a series of HPS News articles in 2012-2013. I have attempted to describe how people make decisions on truth for radiation safety based on processing information as normal functions of the subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind is wired to constantly search for signs of danger. However, since radiation does not give us any physical sensation, we have to rely on imagination to determine our safety. Our subconscious mind has been programmed by education and the media to automatically associate all radiation with “deadly radiation.” Thus associations by normal subconscious functions for safety will likely lead to decisions based on images of unacceptable consequences of radiation exposures.

This class will explore many questions on effective risk communications, such as: What is the truth? How does truth relate to beliefs, faith, and ethics? What is lying? How do we process data to determine the truth? How does randomness affect our lives? How does radiation mythology affect people’s views. What are possible answers to effective radiation risk communication?

Raymond H. Johnson, MS, PSE, PE, FHPS, CHP Director, Radiation Safety Counseling Institute 301-370-8573 BS - Civil Engineering (1961) University of Vermont MS - Sanitary Engineering (1963) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) PSE - Professional Sanitary Engineer Degree (1963) MIT and Harvard University PhD Studies, Radio and Nuclear Chemistry (1966–1972), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Greater Washington Institute for Transactional Analysis - Counseling (1977–1980) American Board of Health Physics Certification (1983–present) Johns Hopkins Fellow, Organizational Systems (1984–1985) Past President and Fellow of the Health Physics Society (2000) President, American Academy of Health Physics (2013) Commissioned Stephen Minister – Counselor, United Methodist Church (2003–pres)

Experience 2010 – pres. Director , Radiation Safety Counseling Institute. Workshops, training, and counseling for individuals,

companies, universities, or government agencies with concerns or questions about radiation and x-ray safety. Specialist in helping people understand radiation, risk communication, worker counseling, psychology of radiation safety, and dealing with fears of radiation and nuclear terrorism for homeland security.

2007 – pres. VP, Training Programs and consultant to Dade Moeller Radiation Safety Academy, training and consulting in x-ray and radiation safety, safety program audits, radiation instruments, and regulatory requirements.

1984 - 2007 Director, Radiation Safety Academy. Providing x-ray and radiation safety training, audits, and consulting to industry (nuclear gauges and x-ray), universities, research facilities, and professional organizations.

1988 - 2006 Manager and Contractor to National Institutes of Health (NIH) for radiation safety audits of 3,500 research laboratories and 2,500 instrument calibrations a year, along with environmental monitoring, hot lab and analytic lab operations, and inspections of three accelerators and over 100 x-ray machines.

1990 - 2005 President of Key Technology, Inc. a manufacturer and primary laboratory for radon analysis with over 1,500,000 measurements since 1985. Primary instructor at Rutgers University 1990-1998 for radon, radon measurements, radiation risks, radiation instruments, and radon risk communication courses.

1986 - 1988 Laboratory Director, RSO, Inc. Directed analytical programs and Quality Assurance for samples from NIH, Aberdeen Proving Ground, radiopharmaceutical companies, and the nuclear industry.

1970 - 1985 Chief, Radiation Surveillance Branch, EPA, Office of Radiation Programs. Directed studies of radiological quality of US, coordinated 7 Federal agencies for nuclear fallout events, QA officer 8 years. Head of US delegations to I.A.E.A and N.E.A. on radioactive waste disposal. ANSI N-13, (1975-1985). Retired PHS Commissioned Officer (0-6) in 1985 with 29 years of service.

1963 - 1970 U.S.P.H.S. Directed development of radiation monitoring techniques at DOE National Labs, nuclear plants, and shipyards in the US and Chalk River Nuclear Laboratory in Canada.

Health Physics and Professional Activities Health Physics Society (HPS) plenary member 1966; President-elect, President, Past President (1998-2001), Fellow (2000), Treasurer (1995-1998); Secretary (1992-1995); Executive Cmte. (1992-2001), Chair, Finance Cmte. (1996-1998); Head of U.S. delegation to IRPA X (2000). RSO Section Founder and Secretary/Treasurer (1997-2000); Co-founder and President, Radon Section (1995-1996). Co-Chair Local Arrangements Cmte. Annual Meeting in DC (1991); Public Info. Cmte. (1985-1988); Summer School Co-Chair (2004); Chair, President’s Emeritus, Cmte (2006); Chair, Awards Cmte. (2002); Chair, History Cmte. (2005-2012); Historian (2012-Pres.) Continuing Education Cmte. (2005-2012). Academic Dean for HPS Professional Development School on Radiation Risk Communication (2010). PEP, CEL and AAHP Instructor; Journal Reviewer; Treasurer, AAHP (2008 – 2011). AAHP President (2013). Baltimore-Washington Chapter: President (1990-1991) and Honorary Life Member; Newsletter Editor (1983-2005); Public Info. Chair (1983-1991), Science Teacher Workshop Leader (1995 – Pres.). New England Chapter: Newsletter Editor, Board of Directors, Education Chair (1968-1972). President, American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (1995-1998) and Honorary Life Member, Charter Member; Board of Directors; Newsletter Editor (1990-1993). Founder and first President, National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) (1997-1999). Member of American Industrial Hygiene Association (1997-Pres.) (Secretary, Vice Chair, Chair, Ionizing Radiation Committee, 2009-2012), Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (1997-Pres.), Studied H.P. communication styles and presented Myers-Briggs seminars to over 3500 H.P.s since 1984. Over 35 professional society awards. Registered Professional Engineer since 1965. Certified Health Physicist since 1983.

Publications

Authored over 500 book chapters, articles, professional papers, training manuals, technical reports, and presentations on radiation safety. Author of monthly column, “Insights in Communication” HPS Newsletter 1984 – 1989, 1994 -2001, and 2012- pres. Contact at: 301-990-6006, [email protected]; 301-370-8573, www.radiationcounseling.org


Health Physics Society Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, PEP W-4, July 16, 2014

Is Telling the Truth the Answer Is Telling the Truth the Answer to Effective to Effective

Radiation Risk Communication?Radiation Risk Communication?

PEP W PEP W -- 44Health Physics SocietyHealth Physics Society

Annual MeetingAnnual Meeting

Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD July 16, 2014July 16, 2014a t o e,a t o e, Ju y 6, 0Ju y 6, 0

Ray Johnson, MS, PSE, PE, FHPS, CHPRay Johnson, MS, PSE, PE, FHPS, CHPDirectorDirector

Radiation Safety Counseling InstituteRadiation Safety Counseling [email protected]@radiationcounseling.org

Outline for this PEP ClassOutline for this PEP ClassHave we been telling the truth about Have we been telling the truth about

radiation ?radiation ?

What is the TRUTH ?What is the TRUTH ?

Is lying the opposite of truth ?Is lying the opposite of truth ?

Truth, beliefs, ethics, faithTruth, beliefs, ethics, faith

How we process dataHow we process data

Effects of random chanceEffects of random chance

Role of radiation Role of radiation mythologymythology

Possible answers to risk communicationPossible answers to risk communicationPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 22



Did You Know ?Did You Know ?You can save 15% in just 15 minutesYou can save 15% in just 15 minutes

And the answer is ?And the answer is ?Everybody knows thatEverybody knows that–– Everybody knows that Everybody knows that

Well, did you know Well, did you know -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ??

Radiation is not nearly as dangerous as Radiation is not nearly as dangerous as most people believe it is!most people believe it is!

It is actually very difficult to seriouslyIt is actually very difficult to seriouslyIt is actually very difficult to seriously It is actually very difficult to seriously harm someone with radiationharm someone with radiation

–– Is this true? Is this true?

–– If so, “Why aren’t we telling people that ?”If so, “Why aren’t we telling people that ?”PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 33

Is the Answer to Tell the Truth ?Is the Answer to Tell the Truth ?Anecdote of HP at ACS meeting Anecdote of HP at ACS meeting -- 19851985

“So Ray, you are going to tell us the “So Ray, you are going to tell us the t i k i ti ”t i k i ti ”answers to risk communication”answers to risk communication”

–– “I do not pretend to have all the answers, “I do not pretend to have all the answers, I hope to share a few helpful insights”I hope to share a few helpful insights”

“Ray, the answer is simple, “Ray, the answer is simple, “Just tell people the truth”“Just tell people the truth”p pp p

“I agree, however, MBTI shows that “I agree, however, MBTI shows that truth based on logical analysis is truth based on logical analysis is only favored by ½ the population”only favored by ½ the population”

PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 44



How We Make DecisionsHow We Make DecisionsThinking Thinking -- 50%50%–– LogicalLogical

A l ti lA l ti l

Feeling Feeling -- 50%50%–– PersonalPersonal

E thiE thi–– AnalyticalAnalytical

–– ObjectiveObjective

–– LawsLaws

–– PrinciplesPrinciples

–– FirmnessFirmness

–– JusticeJustice

–– CriticizeCriticize

–– EmpathicEmpathic

–– SubjectiveSubjective

–– CircumstancesCircumstances

–– ValuesValues

–– PersuasionPersuasion

–– HarmonyHarmony

–– AppreciateAppreciate


–– CriticizeCriticize

–– AnalysisAnalysis

–– ImpersonalImpersonal

–– Cool Cool

–– TruthTruth

–– AppreciateAppreciate

–– SympathySympathy

–– PersonalPersonal

–– CaringCaring

–– GoodnessGoodness

Radiation ProfessionalsRadiation ProfessionalsMBTI % PreferenceMBTI % Preference

MBTIMBTI HPSHPS PublicPublicEE 4343 7070

II 57 57 3030

SS 4747 7070

NN 5353 3030

TT 7373 5050


FF 2727 5050

JJ 7070 5555

PP 3030 4545



Will Will the Truth the Truth of Radiation Prevailof Radiation Prevail ??

Technical Technical hhapproachapproach

–– Belief that truth of Belief that truth of technical message technical message will will prevailprevail

PublicPublic

77

Public Public interpretationinterpretation

–– Different than expected ?Different than expected ?

–– How come How come ??PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Have We Been Telling the Truth ?Have We Been Telling the Truth ?

Yes or No ?Yes or No ?

Is telling the truth working ?Is telling the truth working ?

Is public opinion of radiation any Is public opinion of radiation any different today than 50 years ago ?different today than 50 years ago ?

If telling the truth is NOT the answer,If telling the truth is NOT the answer,

––Should we forego telling the truth ?Should we forego telling the truth ?

––What is the answer ?What is the answer ?




Public Understanding of RadiationPublic Understanding of RadiationWe have learned to depend on our We have learned to depend on our

senses to warn us of dangersenses to warn us of danger

Radiation gives no signalRadiation gives no signal–– Forces us to rely on what we have heard Forces us to rely on what we have heard

and our imaginationand our imagination

Conditioned by “Deadly Radiation”Conditioned by “Deadly Radiation”–– FrameFrame of referenceof referenceFrame Frame of referenceof reference

–– Basis Basis of views on of views on radiationradiation

Has Has our communication on radiation our communication on radiation risks been successful ?risks been successful ?

99 PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014

What is the Truth ?What is the Truth ?

We agree it is important to tell the truthWe agree it is important to tell the truth

What is the TruthWhat is the Truth ––What is the Truth What is the Truth –– In accord with fact or reality In accord with fact or reality

–– Fidelity Fidelity to an original to an original or to or to a standard or ideala standard or ideal

What is a proper basis for What is a proper basis for d idi h d b ld idi h d b ldeciding how words, symbols, deciding how words, symbols,

ideas, and beliefs may ideas, and beliefs may

properly be considered true ?properly be considered true ?




Bases for TruthBases for Truth

Correspondence theoryCorrespondence theory–– Relation to actualityRelation to actuality

Coherence theoryCoherence theory–– Fit of elements within a whole systemFit of elements within a whole system

Constructivist theoryConstructivist theory–– Truth from social processes, perceptionsTruth from social processes, perceptions

Consensus theoryConsensus theory–– Truth is what we agree uponTruth is what we agree upon

–– Basis of measurements and calibrationBasis of measurements and calibration


More Bases for TruthMore Bases for TruthPragmatic theoryPragmatic theory–– Results from putting concepts into practiceResults from putting concepts into practicep g p pp g p p

Minimalist (deflationary) theoriesMinimalist (deflationary) theories–– 2 + 2 = 4 is true2 + 2 = 4 is true

Performative theory of truthPerformative theory of truth–– Signaling agreement, saying “I do”Signaling agreement, saying “I do”

Redundancy and related theoriesRedundancy and related theories–– “Snow is white is true”“Snow is white is true”




More Bases for TruthMore Bases for TruthPluralist theoriesPluralist theories–– Having particular properties or coherenceHaving particular properties or coherence

Truth in logicTruth in logicTruth in logicTruth in logic–– Determined by patterns in reasoningDetermined by patterns in reasoning

–– Scientific truth (often favored by HPs)Scientific truth (often favored by HPs)

Truth in mathematicsTruth in mathematics–– Provable within an axiomatic systemProvable within an axiomatic systemyy

Semantic theory of truthSemantic theory of truth–– “This sentence is true”“This sentence is true”

Objective and subjective truthObjective and subjective truthPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 1313

Truth and EthicsTruth and EthicsEthics Ethics -- Moral principles that govern a Moral principles that govern a

person's or group's behavior.person's or group's behavior.

Rules of conduct recognized in respect toRules of conduct recognized in respect toRules of conduct recognized in respect to Rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culturea particular group, culture

Synonyms: moral code, morals, Synonyms: moral code, morals, moralitymorality,, values, rights and wrongs, values, rights and wrongs, principles, ideals, standards (of principles, ideals, standards (of behavior), value system, virtues, behavior), value system, virtues, dictates of conscience dictates of conscience




Ethics and Risk CommunicationEthics and Risk CommunicationAre we ethical in our communications ?Are we ethical in our communications ?

Is there a right and wrong way to tell Is there a right and wrong way to tell ??people about radiation risks ?people about radiation risks ?

What is morally justified ?What is morally justified ?–– Do we have moral principles to follow ?Do we have moral principles to follow ?

Is “telling the truth,” the answer ?Is “telling the truth,” the answer ?

Sh ld “J t t th f t ” ?Sh ld “J t t th f t ” ?Should we, “Just present the facts” ?Should we, “Just present the facts” ?

If so, “What are the ‘true’ facts” ?If so, “What are the ‘true’ facts” ?

How do we know what we know ?How do we know what we know ?


Ethics and Risk CommunicationEthics and Risk CommunicationCan we justify simplifying technical Can we justify simplifying technical

information to enhance understandinginformation to enhance understanding–– Do we have to be technically accurate ?Do we have to be technically accurate ?

Which is more important ?Which is more important ?–– Technical accuracy ?Technical accuracy ?

–– Compassion and understanding ?Compassion and understanding ?

What approach can we defend ?What approach can we defend ?What approach can we defend ?What approach can we defend ?

What is professionally acceptable ?What is professionally acceptable ?–– Integrity and fairness ?Integrity and fairness ?




Lying and EthicsLying and Ethics

No circumstances under which one can No circumstances under which one can ethically lieethically lie –– no matter theno matter theethically lie ethically lie no matter the no matter the consequencesconsequences

Scriptures Scriptures –– “Thou shall “Thou shall

not bear false witness”not bear false witness”

What is lying ?What is lying ?y gy g

Are we bound ethically Are we bound ethically –– not to lie ?not to lie ?

What are consequences of lying ?What are consequences of lying ?


False, Falsify, or LieFalse, Falsify, or Lie

Is not telling the truth, Is not telling the truth, th l i ?th l i ?the same as lying ?the same as lying ?

True or false on an examTrue or false on an exam

Omission or commissionOmission or commission

Is telling a half Is telling a half –– truth, lying ?truth, lying ?

FalsificationFalsification–– Great concern for RAM licenseesGreat concern for RAM licensees




Types of LyingTypes of LyingBare or bold faced lieBare or bold faced lie–– Obviously not trueObviously not true

Big lieBig lieBig lieBig lie–– Attempts to trickAttempts to trick

BluffingBluffing–– Act of deception, in cards, sportsAct of deception, in cards, sports

BullshitBullshitu s tu s t–– To convey an impressionTo convey an impression

ButlerButler–– I have a call on another lineI have a call on another line


Types of LyingTypes of Lying

Contextual lieContextual lie–– State part of the truth, out of contextState part of the truth, out of context

Economical with the truthEconomical with the truth–– Speaking carefully to avoid somethingSpeaking carefully to avoid something

Emergency lieEmergency lie–– Strategic lie to minimize harmStrategic lie to minimize harm

ExaggerationExaggeration–– Making something more meaningful Making something more meaningful

than realitythan reality




Types of LyingTypes of LyingFabricationFabrication–– Statement made Statement made

without verificationwithout verification

FibFib–– No malicious intentNo malicious intent

HalfHalf--truthtruthD ti t t tD ti t t t tl ttl t–– Deceptive statement Deceptive statement –– partly truepartly true

Haystack answerHaystack answer–– Truth hidden in volume of false informationTruth hidden in volume of false information


Types of LyingTypes of LyingHonest lieHonest lie–– Not knowing information is a lieNot knowing information is a lie

Jocose lieJocose lie–– A lie meant in jestA lie meant in jest

Lie Lie –– to to -- childrenchildren–– The stork brought youThe stork brought you

Lying by omissionLying by omission–– Leaving something out to foster a Leaving something out to foster a

misconceptionmisconception




Types of LyingTypes of Lying

Lying in tradeLying in trade–– Advertising untrue facts for marketingAdvertising untrue facts for marketing

MinimizationMinimization–– Minimizing the facts to avoid somethingMinimizing the facts to avoid something

Misleading and dissemblingMisleading and dissemblingSt t t t t t b liSt t t t t t b li–– Statement to get someone to believeStatement to get someone to believe

Noble lieNoble lie–– Statement made for the good of societyStatement made for the good of society


Types of LyingTypes of LyingPerjuryPerjury–– False statements made under oathFalse statements made under oath

Polite liePolite liePolite liePolite lie–– I have another commitment at that timeI have another commitment at that time

View from nowhereView from nowhere–– Journalism showing both parties equalJournalism showing both parties equal

Weasel wordWeasel wordease o dease o d–– Ambiguity for deniabilityAmbiguity for deniability

White lieWhite lie–– Harmless lie for the greater goodHarmless lie for the greater good




Another View of a LieAnother View of a LieTony RobbinsTony Robbins

A lie is to remind us that we do not A lie is to remind us that we do not k tl h thik tl h thiknow exactly how things areknow exactly how things are

–– Once we know a line is concave, Once we know a line is concave, we are no longer free to see it as convexwe are no longer free to see it as convex

–– The word “lie” does not mean “to be The word “lie” does not mean “to be deceitful or dishonest,” but rather to deceitful or dishonest,” but rather to remind us that no matter how much we remind us that no matter how much we believe in a concept, we should be open believe in a concept, we should be open to other possibilities and continuous to other possibilities and continuous learning.learning.


Unlimited Power: Unlimited Power: Th N S iTh N S iThe New Science The New Science Of Personal Of Personal AchievementAchievement

Free PressFree PressFree Press Free Press

1986 1986




Lies and Processes ?Lies and Processes ?

If you tell a big enough lie, loud If you tell a big enough lie, loud h d ft hh d ft henough, and often enough,enough, and often enough,

sooner or later people will believe yousooner or later people will believe you

Our best information is meaningless Our best information is meaningless unless it is understood intellectually unless it is understood intellectually and emotionallyand emotionallyand emotionallyand emotionally

KeyKey–– How a person processes informationHow a person processes information


Importance of Truth and FaithImportance of Truth and Faith

We have to believe (have faith) We have to believe (have faith)

in somethingin something

We need realistic expectations to liveWe need realistic expectations to live

Truth is needed for survival, Truth is needed for survival, –– For coping with the worldFor coping with the world

Faith leads to an active life aligned with Faith leads to an active life aligned with ideals and beliefs ideals and beliefs




Truth, Facts, MeaningTruth, Facts, Meaning

"A fact is a synthesis of impressions" "A fact is a synthesis of impressions" –– Love and Mr. Lewisham, Love and Mr. Lewisham,

–– H. G. Wells, 1900H. G. Wells, 1900

How do we assess meaning ?How do we assess meaning ?

All information is first All information is first

d b i l bd b i l bprocessed subconsciously by processed subconsciously by association with stored memories, association with stored memories, experience, beliefsexperience, beliefs


How Our Brain WorksHow Our Brain Works

Our brain flashes any picture, sound, Our brain flashes any picture, sound, or feeling automatically which weor feeling automatically which weor feeling automatically which we or feeling automatically which we can respond to on cue, can respond to on cue, like a like a PavlovianPavlovian dog. dog.

–– May be important for survivalMay be important for survival

We do not know how life really is, We do not know how life really is, we only know how we represent we only know how we represent it to it to ourselves ourselves -- Tony Tony RRobbinsobbins

How do people represent radiation ?How do people represent radiation ?




Two Systems for Safety DecisionsTwo Systems for Safety Decisions

1.1. Conscious Conscious -- Reason and rational analysis of Reason and rational analysis of factsfacts–– Favored by technical specialistsFavored by technical specialists–– Favored by technical specialistsFavored by technical specialists–– May lead to intelligent decisions, May lead to intelligent decisions,

butbut, very slow , very slow and takes effortand takes effort–– For radiation safety, we often do not have all the For radiation safety, we often do not have all the

facts, facts, time to gather facts,time to gather facts,or knowledge to understand themor knowledge to understand them

2.2. SubconsciousSubconscious -- Emotion, instinct, and Emotion, instinct, and gut reactions , gut reactions , very fastvery fast, ,

–– Does not need all the factsDoes not need all the facts–– Origin of most decisions, especially for safetyOrigin of most decisions, especially for safety

PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 20143131

Role of Our Conscious Mind < 1%Role of Our Conscious Mind < 1%

Slow,Slow, deliberate, rational, thinks, deliberate, rational, thinks, reasons and makes decisions andreasons and makes decisions andreasons, and makes decisions and reasons, and makes decisions and choices based on sensory inputchoices based on sensory input

Source of knowing and awarenessSource of knowing and awareness

Serves as the captain of our ship, Serves as the captain of our ship, the giver of orders the giver of orders gg

Processes information to make decisionsProcesses information to make decisions

Can only deal with one thing at a timeCan only deal with one thing at a time–– Example Example 3232 PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014



Subconscious Mind > 99.999%Subconscious Mind > 99.999%The seat of our emotions / creativity.The seat of our emotions / creativity.Takes orders from the Takes orders from the

conscious mind without judgmentsconscious mind without judgmentsconscious mind without judgmentsconscious mind without judgments

A A Very FastVery Fast, super computer, super computerFunctions 24 / 7 operating theFunctions 24 / 7 operating the

machine we call our bodymachine we call our body–– Regulates our heart, our breathing, Regulates our heart, our breathing,

digestion of food healing of cells etcdigestion of food healing of cells etcdigestion of food, healing of cells, etcdigestion of food, healing of cells, etcHandles thousands of inputs simultaneously Handles thousands of inputs simultaneously

for our health and protectionfor our health and protectionProgrammed to fear / react instantly to dangerProgrammed to fear / react instantly to danger


Fears of Radiation are InvoluntaryFears of Radiation are InvoluntaryInstinctive fears of heights, snakes, spiders, Instinctive fears of heights, snakes, spiders,

closed spaces, submersion, public speaking, closed spaces, submersion, public speaking, Repeated message “deadly radiation”Repeated message “deadly radiation”

T f d t b i i d fT f d t b i i d f–– Transferred to subconscious mind for Transferred to subconscious mind for protection protection –– frame of referenceframe of reference

–– Radiation is now an instinctive Radiation is now an instinctive source of fearsource of fear

–– Fear of radiation Fear of radiation ––not a conscious choicenot a conscious choicenot a conscious choicenot a conscious choice

Subconscious reacts automatically to Subconscious reacts automatically to radiation without consulting radiation without consulting the conscious mind the conscious mind

Decision to “RUN” is now automaticDecision to “RUN” is now automaticPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 20143434



Fear First Fear First –– Think SecondThink Second

FirstFirst -- fear reactions are subconsciousfear reactions are subconscious–– Occur near top of spinal cord Occur near top of spinal cord –– amygdalaamygdala

Sensory data speeds from five sensesSensory data speeds from five senses–– Through spinal cord to center of brain Through spinal cord to center of brain ––

thalamusthalamus–– Thalamus acts as relay between Thalamus acts as relay between

midbrain and larger cerebral cortexmidbrain and larger cerebral cortexAmygdala is closerAmygdala is closer

Recognizes danger firstRecognizes danger first–– Recognizes danger firstRecognizes danger first–– Mobilizes body for Fight, Mobilizes body for Fight,

Flight, or FreezeFlight, or Freeze–– Before thinking occursBefore thinking occurs


Amygdala on GuardAmygdala on Guard

Sensory system and amygdala constantly Sensory system and amygdala constantly scanning for signs of dangerscanning for signs of danger

Q fQ fQuickly leaps to action at first hintQuickly leaps to action at first hintAmygdala takes control immediatelyAmygdala takes control immediately–– Fear response, overrides conscious thinking Fear response, overrides conscious thinking

processes processes -- OK for a striking snakeOK for a striking snakeNot a good way to decide on radiation safetyNot a good way to decide on radiation safetyAmygdala not programmed for radiationAmygdala not programmed for radiationAmygdala not programmed for radiationAmygdala not programmed for radiation–– Our subconscious has learned other shortcuts Our subconscious has learned other shortcuts

to process information quicklyto process information quickly–– Remembered impressionsRemembered impressions




How We Make Quick DecisionsHow We Make Quick DecisionsWe process, sort, compare, categorize, and We process, sort, compare, categorize, and analyze analyze information, in relation to information, in relation to --–– Immediate circumstances Immediate circumstances -- radiationradiation

ExperiencesExperiences what have we heard ?what have we heard ?–– Experiences Experiences –– what have we heard ?what have we heard ?–– Life factors, such as health, wealth, Life factors, such as health, wealth,

traditions, and lifestylestraditions, and lifestyles–– Loss aversion Loss aversion –– need to be safeneed to be safe

With all these inputs we come up With all these inputs we come up with with instant judgmentsinstant judgmentsj gj g

–– Quick judgments are crucial to survivalQuick judgments are crucial to survivalBased on limited informationBased on limited information–– May not be best in the long termMay not be best in the long term–– Is running away the best answer ?Is running away the best answer ?3737 PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Instant Subconscious Processing

DeathFamily & Children

Media Stories

Chernobyl

Fukushima Hiroshima

“Deadly Radiation”

X-rays

Cancer

Property Damage

Stimulus

Stories

Response

Property Damage

Loss Avoidance

3838PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014




Brain FunctionBrain Function

Our brain processes information like a Our brain processes information like a ttcomputercomputer

We take in fantastic amounts of data We take in fantastic amounts of data and organizes it into a configuration and organizes it into a configuration that makes sense to usthat makes sense to us

A computer needs softwareA computer needs softwareA computer needs software, A computer needs software, structure to perform certain tasksstructure to perform certain tasks




Structure for ThinkingStructure for Thinking

Software for our brainsSoftware for our brains–– They provide the structure that governs They provide the structure that governs

what we pay attention to, what we pay attention to,

–– how we make sense of our experiences, how we make sense of our experiences, and the directions in which they take us.and the directions in which they take us.

–– They determine whether something is They determine whether something is interesting or dull,interesting or dull,

–– a potential blessing or a threata potential blessing or a threat


Mental PatternsMental Patterns

People have patterns of behavior People have patterns of behavior

They have patterns by which they They have patterns by which they organize their experience to create organize their experience to create those behaviorsthose behaviors

Only by understanding those mental Only by understanding those mental patterns can we expect to get ourpatterns can we expect to get ourpatterns can we expect to get our patterns can we expect to get our message acrossmessage across




Experience Basis of BeliefsExperience Basis of Beliefs

We generate our experiences (beliefs) We generate our experiences (beliefs) i lif b b h i th hti lif b b h i th htin life by behavior or thoughtin life by behavior or thought

We store these experiences like We store these experiences like files in a computerfiles in a computer

These files (beliefs) can be played These files (beliefs) can be played back at any timeback at any timeback at any timeback at any timeif the right stimulus is triggeredif the right stimulus is triggered


Role of BeliefsRole of Beliefs

Our beliefs are specific, consistent Our beliefs are specific, consistent i ti l h ti ti l h torganizational approaches to organizational approaches to

perceptionperception

Fundamental choices we make about Fundamental choices we make about how to perceive and live our liveshow to perceive and live our lives

We do not know if our beliefs are trueWe do not know if our beliefs are trueWe do not know if our beliefs are true We do not know if our beliefs are true or false, what we know is if they or false, what we know is if they work and if they support us.work and if they support us.




Beliefs and LiesBeliefs and LiesEver thing we believe could be a lie Ever thing we believe could be a lie

which we have accepted as the truthwhich we have accepted as the truthwhich we have accepted as the truthwhich we have accepted as the truth

How do we derive meaning and How do we derive meaning and understanding ?understanding ?

Most people in our culture have been Most people in our culture have been programmed to fear radiationprogrammed to fear radiation

No scientist can prove that our thoughts No scientist can prove that our thoughts create our reality, but it’s a useful lie. create our reality, but it’s a useful lie. Its an empowering beliefIts an empowering belief


How much of What we Believe How much of What we Believe is Based on Faith ?is Based on Faith ?

Faith is confidence or trust in a person, Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thi d it i i th d t ithi d it i i th d t ithing, deity, view, or in the doctrines thing, deity, view, or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion. or teachings of a religion.

Belief that is not based on proof, rather Belief that is not based on proof, rather more a matter of confidence based more a matter of confidence based on someon some degree of warrant.degree of warrant.on some on some degree of warrant. degree of warrant.

The word The word faithfaith is often used as a is often used as a synonym for synonym for hopehope, , trusttrust, or , or beliefbelief..




Knowledge and BeliefKnowledge and Belief

Definition of knowledge as Definition of knowledge as “j tifi d t b li f““j tifi d t b li f““justified true belief““justified true belief“

Justification is the reason why Justification is the reason why someone properly holds a belief,someone properly holds a belief,

–– the explanation as to why the belief the explanation as to why the belief is a true oneis a true oneis a true one, is a true one,

–– or an account of how one knowsor an account of how one knowswhat one knowswhat one knows


Errors of the Conscious MindErrors of the Conscious MindRelies on subconscious to continuously Relies on subconscious to continuously

generate suggestions, impressions, generate suggestions, impressions, i t ti i t iti d f lii t ti i t iti d f liintentions, intuition, and feelingsintentions, intuition, and feelings

When endorsed by conscious mind, When endorsed by conscious mind, these become beliefs, these become beliefs,

–– impulses turn into actionsimpulses turn into actions

We generally believe our impressionsWe generally believe our impressionsWe generally believe our impressions We generally believe our impressions and act on our desiresand act on our desires

That is fine That is fine ––as long as subconscious is not biased as long as subconscious is not biased




Justified BeliefsJustified BeliefsA justified belief is one that we are A justified belief is one that we are

"within our rights" in holding. "within our rights" in holding. –– The rights in question are neither The rights in question are neither

political nor moral, however, political nor moral, however, but but intellectual.intellectual.

In some way, each of us is responsible In some way, each of us is responsible for what we believe. for what we believe.

How sure do we need to be that our How sure do we need to be that our beliefs correspond to the actual beliefs correspond to the actual world ?world ?


Is Faith Blind ?Is Faith Blind ?Does faith mean blind trust ?Does faith mean blind trust ?

One who has faith is "not blind, butOne who has faith is "not blind, butOne who has faith is not blind, but One who has faith is not blind, but intelligent" and "commences with intelligent" and "commences with the conviction of the mind based on the conviction of the mind based on adequate evidence”adequate evidence”

The validity, or warrant, of faith or The validity, or warrant, of faith or b li f d d h hb li f d d h hbelief depends on the strength belief depends on the strength of of the the evidence evidence on which the on which the belief belief is is basedbased




Another View of FaithAnother View of FaithFaith is belief without evidence; a Faith is belief without evidence; a

process of active nonprocess of active non--thinking. thinking.

F ith d d d t di f thF ith d d d t di f thFaith degrades our understanding of the Faith degrades our understanding of the natural world by allowing anyone to natural world by allowing anyone to

make a claim based solely on their make a claim based solely on their personal thoughts, and possibly personal thoughts, and possibly

distorted perceptions, that does not distorted perceptions, that does not require testing, has no ability to make require testing, has no ability to make

reliable and consistent predictions, and reliable and consistent predictions, and is not subject to peer reviewis not subject to peer review


Importance of Truth and FaithImportance of Truth and Faith

We have to believe (have faith) We have to believe (have faith)

in somethingin something

We need realistic expectations to liveWe need realistic expectations to live

Truth is needed for survival, Truth is needed for survival, –– For coping with the worldFor coping with the world

Faith leads to an active life aligned with Faith leads to an active life aligned with ideals and beliefs ideals and beliefs




Faith is Needed for LivingFaith is Needed for Living

Faith is defined as "a trust in and Faith is defined as "a trust in and it t t h t hit t t h t hcommitment to what we have reason commitment to what we have reason

to believe is true”to believe is true”

EvidenceEvidence--based faith is the normal based faith is the normal concept on which we base our concept on which we base our everyday liveseveryday liveseveryday liveseveryday lives

Belief in things not seenBelief in things not seen


Is Seeing or HearingIs Seeing or HearingIs Seeing or Hearing Is Seeing or Hearing Believing ?Believing ?

Can we have Can we have faith (trust) faith (trust)

in what we see or hear ?in what we see or hear ?



Errors of the Conscious MindErrors of the Conscious MindIs Seeing Believing ?Is Seeing Believing ?


Which Line is Longer ?Which Line is Longer ?




How Hard Do we Expect How Hard Do we Expect People to Work ?People to Work ?

How much effort should people put into How much effort should people put into understanding radiation safety?understanding radiation safety?understanding radiation safety?understanding radiation safety?

How hard should we expect to work to How hard should we expect to work to understand how people make safety understand how people make safety decisions?decisions?

What is the incentive to commit this effort ?What is the incentive to commit this effort ?

Wh h ld l h th i iWh h ld l h th i iWhy should people change their viewsWhy should people change their viewsabout radiation ?about radiation ?


Can We Ignore Can We Ignore Public Fears of Radiation?Public Fears of Radiation?

Do irrational fears influence public policy?Do irrational fears influence public policy?

Should we protect the public from fear?Should we protect the public from fear?

How do we justify expenses for reducing How do we justify expenses for reducing imaginary risks?imaginary risks?

Isn’t this actually happening all the time?Isn’t this actually happening all the time?

How many of us are dealing with “real” risks?How many of us are dealing with “real” risks?How many of us are dealing with real risks?How many of us are dealing with real risks?

How much of what we do is driven by public How much of what we do is driven by public views of what is needed for safety?views of what is needed for safety?




Patterns and ExpectationsPatterns and Expectations

The illusion of patterns strongly affects our The illusion of patterns strongly affects our views on radiation safetyviews on radiation safetyviews on radiation safetyviews on radiation safety

Paducah Paducah –– Gaseous Diffusion Plant Gaseous Diffusion Plant ––reports of cancer incidence in reports of cancer incidence in many neighborhoodsmany neighborhoods

How many people in Japan who may get How many people in Japan who may get cancer among the Fukushima evacueescancer among the Fukushima evacueescancer among the Fukushima evacuees cancer among the Fukushima evacuees will likely conclude that the Daiichi will likely conclude that the Daiichi incident is the cause ?incident is the cause ?


The Illusion of KnowingThe Illusion of Knowing

We create good stories to explain the world We create good stories to explain the world around usaround us –– then we believe our storythen we believe our storyaround us around us then we believe our storythen we believe our story

It is easier to construct a good story when we It is easier to construct a good story when we know little and have fewer pieces to the puzzleknow little and have fewer pieces to the puzzle–– This might explain why some people are so This might explain why some people are so

convinced of the hazards of radiationconvinced of the hazards of radiation–– Story of bystander effectsStory of bystander effects

Stories confirm what we have always believedStories confirm what we have always believedStories confirm what we have always believed Stories confirm what we have always believed and what we have always knownand what we have always known

What do we really know for sure ?What do we really know for sure ?




The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

The scientific method differs from other The scientific method differs from other th d f i i k l d ith d f i i k l d imethods of acquiring knowledge in methods of acquiring knowledge in

that scientists seek to let reality that scientists seek to let reality speak for itself, supporting a theory speak for itself, supporting a theory when a theory's predictions are when a theory's predictions are confirmed and challenging a theory confirmed and challenging a theory when its predictions prove false. when its predictions prove false.


The Best Way to CommunicateThe Best Way to Communicate

No right or wrong way to communicate, No right or wrong way to communicate, b t th d i tib t th d i tibut rather does your communication but rather does your communication bring you closer to your goalbring you closer to your goal

Good communicators aren’t interested Good communicators aren’t interested in rationalizations of why something in rationalizations of why something is going wrong. They want to findis going wrong. They want to findis going wrong. They want to find is going wrong. They want to find out how to do it right. The right out how to do it right. The right questions will lead you in that questions will lead you in that direction. direction. –– Tony RobbinsTony Robbins




First First VintageVintageVintage Vintage Books Books Edition, Edition, May 2009May 2009


Leonard MlodinowLeonard MlodinowThe Drunkard’s Walk The Drunkard’s Walk –– How How Randomness Rules Our LivesRandomness Rules Our LivesRandomness Rules Our LivesRandomness Rules Our Lives

Anecdote of lottery winnerAnecdote of lottery winner–– 7 X 7 = 487 X 7 = 48

“We create our own view of the world “We create our own view of the world and then use it to filter and process our and then use it to filter and process our perceptions, extracting meaning from perceptions, extracting meaning from the ocean of data that washes over usthe ocean of data that washes over us

–– And we are often prone to errorsAnd we are often prone to errors””




Human IntuitionHuman IntuitionNot suited to situations involving Not suited to situations involving

uncertaintyuncertainty

People cannot create or recognize People cannot create or recognize random numbersrandom numbers

Neuroscience looks at how people Neuroscience looks at how people make decisions when faced with make decisions when faced with imperfect or incomplete dataimperfect or incomplete dataimperfect or incomplete dataimperfect or incomplete data

When chance is involved, thought When chance is involved, thought processes are often seriously flawedprocesses are often seriously flawed


Opposing Intuition is DifficultOpposing Intuition is Difficult

Our minds are built to identify for each Our minds are built to identify for each event a definite cause,event a definite cause,

Therefore, it is difficult to accept the Therefore, it is difficult to accept the influence of unrelated or random influence of unrelated or random factors (chance)factors (chance)

Success or failure is often not a matter of Success or failure is often not a matter of great skill or incompetence but chancegreat skill or incompetence but chancegreat skill or incompetence, but chancegreat skill or incompetence, but chance

Most of us are where we are today by Most of us are where we are today by chancechance




Like a Like a Candle’s FlameCandle’s Flame

Our lives are coaxed in new directions Our lives are coaxed in new directions by a variety of random events by a variety of random events and how we respond to them and how we respond to them

Processes to assess risk of a tiger do not Processes to assess risk of a tiger do not work very well todaywork very well today

The parts of our brain that assess chance The parts of our brain that assess chance also handle our emotionsalso handle our emotionsalso handle our emotionsalso handle our emotions

The amygdala that responds to fear is also The amygdala that responds to fear is also activated for decisions involving activated for decisions involving uncertainty uncertainty


Misinterpretation of DataMisinterpretation of DataDoctors and patients make mistakes on Doctors and patients make mistakes on

effectiveness of drugseffectiveness of drugs

Parents and teachers mistake exam resultsParents and teachers mistake exam results

Investors make mistakesInvestors make mistakes

Sports credit a teams success or failures to Sports credit a teams success or failures to the coachthe coach

Businesses do the same with CEOsBusinesses do the same with CEOs

Statistics show that on the average, Statistics show that on the average, firing a coach does not change firing a coach does not change performanceperformance




We Start with a Naïve RealismWe Start with a Naïve RealismDoctrine that things are what they seem


Typical Patterns of RandomnessTypical Patterns of Randomness

Apparent hot or cold streaks Apparent hot or cold streaks or bunching of data in clustersor bunching of data in clustersor bunching of data in clusters or bunching of data in clusters are often interpreted as a trendare often interpreted as a trend

Coaches and CEOs are often fired Coaches and CEOs are often fired because because of lack of understanding of of lack of understanding of randomness, randomness, not because of flawed not because of flawed d i i kid i i kidecision makingdecision making

Extraordinary events can happen Extraordinary events can happen without extraordinary causeswithout extraordinary causes




When Chance is InvolvedWhen Chance is Involved

Thought processes are seriously flawedThought processes are seriously flawed

Often make poor decisions whenOften make poor decisions whenOften make poor decisions when Often make poor decisions when confronted with randomness or confronted with randomness or uncertaintyuncertainty

Difficult task to swim against the tide of Difficult task to swim against the tide of human intuitionhuman intuition

Because of randomnessBecause of randomness–– Success may not be due to skillSuccess may not be due to skill

–– Failure may not be due to incompetenceFailure may not be due to incompetencePEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 7171

Adding DetailsAdding DetailsIf added details fit our mental pictureIf added details fit our mental picture–– The more real it seems and the more The more real it seems and the more

probableprobable

However, adding lessHowever, adding less--thanthan--certain certain details to a conjecture makes details to a conjecture makes the conjecture less probablethe conjecture less probable

It is common to assign higherIt is common to assign higherIt is common to assign higher It is common to assign higher probabilities to contingencies that probabilities to contingencies that are described in more detailare described in more detail




David RopeikDavid Ropeik

Bounded rationalityBounded rationality

How people make How people make p pp pdecisions, decisions,

When When ––

1) Limited data1) Limited data1) Limited data1) Limited data

2) No time to get data2) No time to get data

3) No understanding of data3) No understanding of data


Daniel Daniel KahnemanKahneman

FF SSFerrarFerrar, Straus, , Straus, and Giroux,and Giroux,New YorkNew York

20112011




Subconscious ProgrammingSubconscious ProgrammingConstantly monitors all inputs to predict Constantly monitors all inputs to predict

and avoid imminent dangerand avoid imminent dangerAnything unusual, such as radiation, Anything unusual, such as radiation,

t i h f ll k l d dt i h f ll k l d dtriggers a search of all knowledge and triggers a search of all knowledge and memories to decide if protective action memories to decide if protective action is neededis needed

Most will conclude that radiation is badMost will conclude that radiation is badWithout technical knowledge, they may Without technical knowledge, they may

not be able to defend this decision , not be able to defend this decision , ,,but deep in their gut, but deep in their gut, they know this is truethey know this is true

Imagination of unacceptable consequences Imagination of unacceptable consequences of radiation will win out every time.of radiation will win out every time.


Ways we are Prone to ErrorsWays we are Prone to ErrorsWe use mental shortcuts for quick decisionsWe use mental shortcuts for quick decisionsDecisions by subconscious mind are crucial Decisions by subconscious mind are crucial

for safety for safety –– especially for imminent dangerespecially for imminent danger–– Does not do well for dangers that are not Does not do well for dangers that are not

imminentimminentSubconscious acts on impressions which may Subconscious acts on impressions which may

not be based on good informationnot be based on good information–– Not based on evaluations and therefore it has Not based on evaluations and therefore it has

no clues to errors or biasesno clues to errors or biasesno clues to errors or biasesno clues to errors or biasesConscious mind is not inclined to second guess Conscious mind is not inclined to second guess

subconscious decisions subconscious decisions –– Wants to conserve energyWants to conserve energy




How we Make JudgmentsHow we Make JudgmentsMost thoughts and impressions that come Most thoughts and impressions that come

to our conscious mindto our conscious mind

–– Arise without our knowingArise without our knowingArise without our knowing Arise without our knowing where they came fromwhere they came from

Can we trace the process of detecting Can we trace the process of detecting irritation in our spouse’s voice ?irritation in our spouse’s voice ?

Or how we avoided an obstacle in the road Or how we avoided an obstacle in the road before becoming consciously aware of it ?before becoming consciously aware of it ?before becoming consciously aware of it ?before becoming consciously aware of it ?

The mental work that produces impressionsThe mental work that produces impressions

–– Goes on in the silence of our mindsGoes on in the silence of our minds

–– These intuitive processes may be biasedThese intuitive processes may be biasedPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 7777

Intuitive BiasIntuitive BiasWe tend to believe what confirms our views We tend to believe what confirms our views

and to discount other informationand to discount other information

Thus, we may accept data from small samplesThus, we may accept data from small samples

We may judge on basis of how information We may judge on basis of how information “resembles” something we already know“resembles” something we already know

We draw conclusions based onWe draw conclusions based on“ f ll”“ f ll”“ease of recall”“ease of recall”

–– This may be function of media coverageThis may be function of media coverage

–– Paradox, media reports what people want to seeParadox, media reports what people want to see




Vintage Vintage BooksBooksBooksBooks

New YorkNew York

20122012


Role of the Subconscious MindRole of the Subconscious Mind

Influences our conscious view of the Influences our conscious view of the world in fundamental waysworld in fundamental waysworld in fundamental waysworld in fundamental ways

–– How we view ourselves and othersHow we view ourselves and others

–– The meanings we attach to everyday The meanings we attach to everyday events in our livesevents in our lives

Our ability to make quick judgmentsOur ability to make quick judgments–– Our ability to make quick judgmentsOur ability to make quick judgments

–– The actions we take in response to The actions we take in response to instinctive experience of the worlinstinctive experience of the world d




My Courtroom ExperienceMy Courtroom Experience

I used to believe I knew the truth until I used to believe I knew the truth until i t it di t it dserving as an expert witness and serving as an expert witness and

observing courtroom proceedingsobserving courtroom proceedings

Witnesses Witnesses -- “Swear to tell the truth, the “Swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”whole truth, and nothing but the truth”

Feedback from a Federal JudgeFeedback from a Federal JudgeFeedback from a Federal JudgeFeedback from a Federal Judge–– Courtroom is carefully orchestrated drama to Courtroom is carefully orchestrated drama to

persuade a judge or jury, truth is incidentalpersuade a judge or jury, truth is incidental


Have We Told the Truth Have We Told the Truth About Radiation ?About Radiation ?

Despite our best efforts most people’s Despite our best efforts most people’s ti f di ti h dti f di ti h dperceptions of radiation are shaped perceptions of radiation are shaped

by myths by myths

–– Something believed which Something believed which is not technically trueis not technically true

Radiation mythology aboundsRadiation mythology aboundsRadiation mythology aboundsRadiation mythology abounds

“Deadly Radiation” “Deadly Radiation”

“LNT”“LNT”




Radiation Myths AboundRadiation Myths Abound

When dealing with radiation fears, consider:When dealing with radiation fears, consider:

Most of what people believe is mythology, Most of what people believe is mythology,

without special training in radiation safety, without special training in radiation safety,

People rely on what they have always heard People rely on what they have always heard

as the basis for understanding radiationas the basis for understanding radiation

8383

Myths help explain science in ways Myths help explain science in ways

that are understandable to lay personsthat are understandable to lay persons

Simple, direct, makes sense, credibleSimple, direct, makes sense, credible


Are We Most Afraid of Are We Most Afraid of What we Know the Least About ?What we Know the Least About ?

What do people know about radiation?What do people know about radiation?What do people know about radiation?What do people know about radiation?

What What have you have you heard ?heard ?

Do you remember ever hearing Do you remember ever hearing anything good about radiation ?anything good about radiation ?

Wh tWh t d th did th di

8484

What What does the news media does the news media tell tell us us about about radiation ?radiation ?




Myth of “Deadly Radiation”Myth of “Deadly Radiation”–– Media has used these words Media has used these words

for over 60 yearsfor over 60 years

–– Now accepted as basis for Now accepted as basis for

understanding radiationunderstanding radiation

–– Assumes cause and effect automaticallyAssumes cause and effect automatically

Analogy with Analogy with “Deadly “Deadly AAspirin”spirin”

R ltR lt

8585

–– ResultsResultsFears of radiation seem out of proportion to Fears of radiation seem out of proportion to

risks as we would technically understand themrisks as we would technically understand them


“No Safe Level of Radiation“No Safe Level of Radiation” ” -- MythMyth

The only safe level is zero radiation The only safe level is zero radiation

Predicted by LNTPredicted by LNT

Every radioactive atom is harmful Every radioactive atom is harmful

Every atom must be removedEvery atom must be removed

Basis of antinuclear sentiments andBasis of antinuclear sentiments and


Basis of antinuclear sentiments and Basis of antinuclear sentiments and

opposition to nuclear technologyopposition to nuclear technology

Ignores radiation all around usIgnores radiation all around us



Myth of Models Myth of Models for for Estimating Estimating RiskRisk

LNTLNT10 - 50 rem LNTLNT


HormesisAre small doses of radiation beneficial ?

Myth of LNTMyth of LNT

Leads to views Leads to views -- “No Safe Level of Radiation”“No Safe Level of Radiation”–– No level without riskNo level without risk–– The only safe level is zeroThe only safe level is zero

However,However,

––There is no zeroThere is no zero–– We are all exposed to radiation all the timeWe are all exposed to radiation all the time

The debate on low dose effects will go on The debate on low dose effects will go on –– because of lack of databecause of lack of data

Propose a new message:Propose a new message:

8888

Propose a new message:Propose a new message:

““It is actually very difficult to seriously It is actually very difficult to seriously harm someone with radiation!”harm someone with radiation!”




What What DDoes Zero Mean ?oes Zero Mean ?Zero Zero health effects start at health effects start at

560,000 cancer deaths 560,000 cancer deaths a year in a year in USUS

Zero radiation starts at Zero radiation starts at backgroundbackground

–– 310 mrem / year 310 mrem / year average average across USacross US–– 600 600 –– 800 mrem / yr 800 mrem / yr in Yangjiang, China in Yangjiang, China

1 5001 500 2 500 mrem / yr2 500 mrem / yr inin KeralaKerala IndiaIndia


–– 1,500 1,500 –– 2,500 mrem / yr 2,500 mrem / yr in in Kerala, Kerala, India India –– 6,000 6,000 -- 8,000 mrem / yr 8,000 mrem / yr in in Guarapari, BrazilGuarapari, Brazil–– 10,000 10,000 –– 26,000 mrem / yr 26,000 mrem / yr in Ramsar, Iranin Ramsar, Iran

560 000Cancer Deaths per year in US

True Model for Estimating Cancer Risk

HealthEffects

Cancer

560,000

LNT

PEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 9090Annual Dose in mrem

0 100 1,000 10,000

Cancer deaths per year

US ChinaBrazil



Is it OK to be Afraid ? Is it OK to be Afraid ? -- YESYES

What will you What will you think of doing think of doing when the first when the first responders responders ppare running are running ??


Possible Answers ?Possible Answers ?

Let people know its OK to be afraidLet people know its OK to be afraid

Show that you careShow that you care

Hear and reflect feelingsHear and reflect feelings

Be a resource to help people to find Be a resource to help people to find their own answerstheir own answers

Provide guidance on steps from cause Provide guidance on steps from cause to effectto effect




RememberRemember

We are prone to numerous errors We are prone to numerous errors i d i i f di ti f t ?i d i i f di ti f t ?in decisions for radiation safety?in decisions for radiation safety?

Fear of radiation is automaticFear of radiation is automatic

It’s OK to be afraid of radiationIt’s OK to be afraid of radiation

The question is The question is ––qq–– How afraid is appropriate for the How afraid is appropriate for the

circumstances ?circumstances ?


We can be a ResourceWe can be a ResourceWe do not have to be the We do not have to be the --

“Giver of answers”“Giver of answers”

We can ask questions We can ask questions –– lots of questionslots of questions–– To identify images, knowledge, experienceTo identify images, knowledge, experience

People have more confidence in their People have more confidence in their own answersown answers

How can we help people find their ownHow can we help people find their ownHow can we help people find their own How can we help people find their own answers ?answers ?

–– Ideas ?Ideas ?




Help People Find AnswersHelp People Find Answers

Show Show –– and and –– telltell

Demonstration of radioactive antiquesDemonstration of radioactive antiques

Compare antique readings with Compare antique readings with sources of concernsources of concern

Let concerned person do measurementsLet concerned person do measurementsC di f ti ithC di f ti ith–– Compare readings from antiques with Compare readings from antiques with readings for radiation source of concernreadings for radiation source of concern

Explain instrument readingsExplain instrument readings


Establish RapportEstablish RapportDo not make people wrong for their fearsDo not make people wrong for their fears–– It’s OK to be afraidIt’s OK to be afraid

Use “Active Listening”Use “Active Listening”Use Active Listening Use Active Listening to hear and respond to feelingsto hear and respond to feelings

–– “I don’t want anything to do with radiation!”“I don’t want anything to do with radiation!”

–– Active Listening Response, Active Listening Response, “Radiation is scary isn’t it”“Radiation is scary isn’t it”

Invite workers to help answer the questionInvite workers to help answer the questionInvite workers to help answer the question Invite workers to help answer the question –––– Is this source of radiation safe ? Cause to EffectIs this source of radiation safe ? Cause to Effect

–– Workers have buyWorkers have buy--in to their own answersin to their own answers

–– Invite workers to do measurementsInvite workers to do measurementsPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 20149696



Steps from Cause to EffectSteps from Cause to Effect11. What are properties of radiation. What are properties of radiation

-- xx--ray ray ? ? -- Form and quantity ?Form and quantity ?2. Where is it located ?2. Where is it located ?2. Where is it located ?2. Where is it located ?3. How is it contained ?3. How is it contained ?4. How will it move in the environment ?4. How will it move in the environment ?5. What are the exposure conditions ?5. What are the exposure conditions ?6. How much energy is deposited in body ?6. How much energy is deposited in body ?7 What is the health risk ?7 What is the health risk ?


7. What is the health risk ?7. What is the health risk ?-- Based on evidence of actual effectsBased on evidence of actual effects

“It is actually very difficult to seriously “It is actually very difficult to seriously harm someone with radiation.”harm someone with radiation.”

What have we Learned Today ?What have we Learned Today ?Have we been telling the truth about Have we been telling the truth about

radiation ?radiation ?

What is the TRUTH ?What is the TRUTH ?

Is lying the opposite of truth ?Is lying the opposite of truth ?

Truth, beliefs, ethics, faithTruth, beliefs, ethics, faith

How we process dataHow we process data

Effects of random chanceEffects of random chance

Role of radiation Role of radiation mythologymythology

Possible answers to risk communicationPossible answers to risk communicationPEP W PEP W -- 4, Wednesday, July 16, 20144, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 9898



SummarySummary•• Is telling the truth Is telling the truth –– “The Answer” ?“The Answer” ?

•• What is the truth ?What is the truth ?

•• What is lying ?What is lying ?•• What is lying ?What is lying ?

•• Faith and beliefs needed for livingFaith and beliefs needed for living

•• Beliefs based on stored Beliefs based on stored impressionsimpressions

•• Role of the subconscious mindRole of the subconscious mind

•• How randomness affects our livesHow randomness affects our lives


•• Frames of reference Frames of reference –– “Deadly Radiation”“Deadly Radiation”

•• Views may be based on radiation Views may be based on radiation mythologymythology

•• Best approach Best approach –– help people find answershelp people find answers

ReferencesReferencesHow Risky is it Really, David How Risky is it Really, David RopeikRopeik, 2010, 2010

Unlimited Power, Anthony Robbins, 1986Unlimited Power, Anthony Robbins, 1986

Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel KahnemanKahneman, 2011, 2011

The Drunkard’s Walk The Drunkard’s Walk –– How Randomness Rules How Randomness Rules Our Lives, Leonard Our Lives, Leonard MlodinowMlodinow, 2008, 2008

Subliminal Subliminal –– How Your Unconscious Mind Rules How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior, Leonard Your Behavior, Leonard MlodinowMlodinow, 2012, 2012

The Genie Within Your Subconscious Mind, The Genie Within Your Subconscious Mind, How it Works and How to Use it. 2009How it Works and How to Use it. 2009Harry W. CarpenterHarry W. Carpenter

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. 2008The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. 2008Joseph Murphy Joseph Murphy




Questions ?Questions ?


[email protected]

Documents

Is Telling the Truth the Answer to Effective Radiation ...radiationcounseling.org/docs/EffectiveCommunication.pdf · Answer to Effective Radiation ... radiation safety, ... Is Telling