Social acceptance of nuclear energy: An empirical study on the students of Dumlupınar University

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a multivariate statistical method that reveals the relationship between latent variables and each other and observed variables. SEM, combines factor analysis and multiple regression analysis, is widely used today by many disciplines. This study aims to investigate the causal relationships between the younger generations' awareness of nuclear energy and the factors that affect their acceptance levels with a structural model. Data obtained by the questionnaire applied to the 521 students who are studying at the faculties located on the Campus of Kütahya Dumlupınar University Evliya Çelebi were analyzed by SEM. Students were asked questions that are represented by observed variables that showed the perceived benefits of the energy supply, perceived environmental benefits, risk perception, trust, and acceptance latent variables. In the first section of the study consisting of three section, the definition of nuclear energy, its history, its advantages and disadvantages, and the development of nuclear energy policy in Turkey are included. In the second section general information about SEM, assumptions and conceptual explanations are emphasized. In the third section of the study, research model is presented and the relations among factors related to nuclear energy acceptance have been examined with SEM. Latent variables which are in the model perceived benefits of the energy supply, perceived environmental benefits and trust have statistically significant and positive effect on acceptance, while the risk perception has negative effect. LISREL 8.21 package program was used in the statistical analysis of the obtained data.