Subjective risk belief function in the field: Evidence from cooking fuel choices and health in India

We investigate the accuracy of perceptions health risks in India. The context our study is risk developing physical symptoms related to household air pollution caused by cooking. Using field data collected from 588 respondents 17 villages West Bengal, we regress probability on fuel choices predict respondent-specific changes. estimated risks, which treat as objective are then compared with corresponding subjective probabilistic beliefs, elicited an interactive method visual aids. Our results show that, average, slightly underestimate change when switching cooking firewood liquefied petroleum gas, even though their beliefs qualitatively correct. further that misperception associated only religion among individuals’ observed characteristics, suggesting unobserved characteristics play a substantial role misperception.