Young Chinese people's perceptions of nuclear power: Connection with enthusiasm for information, perceptions of nuclear reactor technology and NIMBY

People's attitude toward nuclear power is crucial to the development of nuclear power in China. A survey was conducted to analyze the relationship between Young Chinese people's perceptions of nuclear power with three factors: enthusiasm for information on nuclear power, perceptions of nuclear reactor technology, and Not-In-My-Back-Yard (NIMBY) syndrome. This study adopts a different approach to probe these factors, and most options of our questionnaire were given in plain language rather than on a scale. It is found that questionnaires with different styles may result in different responses, and validity and reliability are discussed. Our results (N = 850) suggest a positive correlation between enthusiasm for information on nuclear power and perceptions of nuclear power. Most respondents showed pride in Chinese nuclear reactor technology even though it seemed independent of their perceptions of nuclear power. However, having a perception of nuclear reactor technology positively correlates with their perceptions of nuclear power. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that people with a nonnegative perception of nuclear power tended to accept construction of a nuclear power plant near their residence, but a perception of nuclear power may not be the dominating factor that influences the respondents' support for nuclear power. The results are considered pilot findings with the intent to provide a stronger social science foundation in future work. Note that the results may only represent the opinions of those who had access to the Internet. •Questionnaire in plain language and that using a Likert-type scale may give different results.•Positive correlation between young Chinese people's enthusiasm for information on nuclear power and the perception of nuclear power is found.•Learning that China has excellent nuclear reactor technology may not affect young Chinese people's perceptions of nuclear power.•Most respondents with a nonnegative perception of nuclear power would not consider relocation if an NPP were to be built near their residences.•Young Chinese people's perceptions of nuclear power may not be the dominating factor that influences their support for nuclear power.