Warning Effectiveness: What Do We Need to Know

Abstract

The forensic area of practice for human factors engineers has brought into sharp focus the differences of opinion which exist regarding the effectiveness of warnings in bringin bout safe behavior on the part of the user of a product. This paper addresses the major issues which the authors believe must be researched further to provide the definitive answers needed regarding the effectiveness of warnings in a variety of possible applications. A review of the literature will demonstrate that there are few studies of warning effectiveness per se, while there are many studies that address such issues as the need for warnings and presumed criteria for preparing effective warnings. It is suggested that further research is needed which addresses warning effectiveness in actual use situations, and in turn identifies the importance of such variables as stimulus energy level, information overload, risk perception, cost of compliance and the interaction of warnings, instructions and training.

Assessing the Effects of Adding Messages to Warning Labels

“…Reduced attention to individual messages within warnings (Priedmann, 1988). Reduced recall of certain warning messages (Purswell, Krenek & Dorris, 1987). Reduced believability/credibility of warnings (Edworthy & Adams, 1996;Breznirz, 1984).…”

Designing warnings to compensate for age-related changes in perceptual and cognitive abilities

“…For example, Purswell, Krenek, and Dorris (1987) enumerated several ways product users may experience information overload, including the presentation of too much information on a warning. Environmental support has also received some investigation.…”

Development and Validation of Warning Message Utility Scale (WMUS)

“…As technology improves, warning systems are becoming increasingly automated, which results in human relying on alarm systems to provide information about the status of the machine and environment. To date, much work has been done to evaluate the warning message utility with empirical studies (Gomer, 1986;Jason D. Papastavrou, 1996;Mortimer, 2007;Purswell, Krenek, & Dorris, 1987;M. S. Wogalter, Fontenelle, & Laughery, 1985;Michael S Wogalter et al, 1987).…”