A Channel-Specific Analysis of the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) Model: The Role of Relevant Channel Beliefs and Perceived Information Gathering Capacity

Abstract

The risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model posits that information insufficiency could lead to information seeking, and the effect could be moderated by relevant channel beliefs and perceived information gathering capacity. The RISP model is tested in the context of Koreans’ risk information seeking and processing related to toxic chemicals in consumer products. The present study showed that the impact of information insufficiency was moderated by relevant channel beliefs. On the other hand, the impact of information insufficiency was not moderated by perceived information gathering capacity; instead, perceived information gathering capacity had an independent effect on information seeking.