The relationships between familiarity and perceptions of nanotechnology have been explored in a number of ways including surveys of support for nanotechnology in food and food packaging [ 29], attitudes towards nanotechnology [ 42], the support of use and moral acceptability of nanotechnology [ 43] and support for funding of nanotechnology [ 44].
Our third hypothesis aimed to address these criticisms by examining the relationship between public familiarity and risk perception in a more product based manner.
Data on familiarity with, and perceptions of similarity among 11 engineering specialties were collected from 129 undergraduate engineering students from a public urban university.
The following factors were independently associated with rapid testing within the previous 6 months: sexual initiation at 20 29 years of age, ever having undergone standard testing, ever having seen a sexually transmitted disease doctor, consistent use of condom during the past 6 months, familiarity with RHT and perception of possible HIV infection.
To assess familiarity with TKR, and perceptions of benefits and risks of TKR, participants were asked questions that were previously used to assess knowledge (3 items) and perceptions (5 items) of joint replacement [ 11].
On the other hand, no statistically significant association was detected between religiosity and perception of familiarity with evolution.
Indeed, although studies on hurricane-based evacuations provide valuable information, many differences in characteristics such as risk perception, familiarity and cultural geography, mean that the results cannot be easily extrapolated to other hazards or locations (Marrero et al. 2010).
These results indicate that an uncanny valley between familiarity and novelty may accentuate the categorical perception of familiar and novel objects.
Hazard familiarity and experience reduce associated risk perceptions (23).
However, familiarity and lifelong experience can also influence individuals' perception of their environment.
And perception is becoming reality.
