-16- characteristic decision-making processes. Trimble (1977) Kiste (1974) and emphasize that the sociocultural characteris- tics of the Marshallese have largely contributed to misunderstandings about radiation and resettlement. The Marshallese have a different social orientation and perspective than Americans. While some of the cultural characteristics are known (cf. Kiste 1974; Tobin, 1973), certain social-psychological characteristics remain undefined and need to be assessed. Results can aid in understanding how the Marshallese interpret and respond to communications from federal agencies. Therefore, measures will be developed to assess: 1. subjective perception of risks as experienced in daily activities and during natural disasters, e.g., typhoons; 2. group problem-solving procedures; 3. processes by which 4, factors that are perceived to control and influence decisions are formed; and behavior. Techniques exist for assessing the above psychological variables among western societies; however their appropriate- ness for use with Marshallese is yet to be determined. For example, risk perception studies typically require subjects to assign a subjective probability to participation in some event (skiing, mountain climbing, auto racing, etc.). The Marshallese counting system does not contain percentages or probabilities; hence an approach to measurement needs to be sensitive to this problem.