Opinions on nuclear energy: Evaluations, beliefs, and attitudes.

Used the expectancy-value model of attitudes (M. Fishbein and I. Ajzen, 1975) to investigate the attitudes, evaluations, and beliefs concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy in 252 Dutch social and natural scientists. The model received empirical support. A factor analysis revealed 2 independent components: (1) social/societal attributes and (2) technical and economic attributes of nuclear energy. Differences were shown to exist between supporters and opponents of nuclear energy with respect to evaluations and, in particular, beliefs concerning these 2 groups of attributes.