Understanding Approval of Rodeos in the United States: Risk Perceptions, Knowledge, and Values as Predictors

Abstract In three studies ( N s = 188, 324, 358), relevant knowledge, perceptions of risk, and values combined to predict approval of rodeos. Those who knew more about harms associated with rodeos were less approving of rodeos than those who knew less. However, those who knew more of protections offered by some rodeo organizations were more supportive than those who knew less. Those who had attitudes supportive of using animals for human purposes were also more approving of rodeos. Those relations were mediated by assessments of risks posed by rodeos. Greater knowledge of protections and stronger attitudes supporting animal use were related to higher assessments of control over rodeo animal injuries. More knowledge of harms of rodeos and weaker attitudes supporting using animals were associated with greater assessments of risk of harm posed by rodeos. These results fit into an overall model based on the Framework for Skilled Decisions.