Perceived Stakeholder Information Credibility and Hazard Adjustments: A Case of Induced Seismic Activities in Oklahoma

Abstract

Oklahoma residents have experienced an increase in moderate-scale earthquakes (magnitude 3–5) regularly since 2011. Recently, several scientific reports showed that seismic activities are likely associated with oil companies’ wastewater injection wells. Given that residents have little experience with this induced earthquake hazard and the potential for significant earthquakes, there is considerable risk. Additionally, while residents experience these earthquakes, little is known regarding how they perceive the credibility of different earthquake information sources. To explore these issues, this study uses a mail-based survey of residents in two Oklahoma communities that have experienced earthquakes. The findings suggest that survey participants perceive the credibility of the federal government as an information source higher than state and local governments. Results further suggest that education and income levels are statistically significantly related to individual perception that an information source is credible. Finally, the findings suggest that the association between the credibility rating of government stakeholders and hazard adjustment intention are weaker if people have direct earthquake experience.