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Full-Text Articles in Theory, Knowledge and Science

Expertise, Trust, And Communication About Food Biotechnology, John Lang, Karen O'Neill, William Hallman Dec 2002

Expertise, Trust, And Communication About Food Biotechnology, John Lang, Karen O'Neill, William Hallman

John T. Lang

Experts typically presume to speak with authority about complex concerns, such as agricultural biotechnology. Research indi- cates, however, that the effectiveness of risk communication depends on perceptions about the trustworthiness of the institu- tions and experts providing information. This exploratory study investigates how experts from a range of food-associated pro- fessions and institutions perceive their own roles in communi- cating about biotechnology. Most of the respondents rated scientists and other experts as most likely to tell the truth about biotechnology, but many felt that members of the public were most influenced by the mass media and by critics of biotechnol- …


Public Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Foods: A National Study Of American Knowledge And Opinion., William Hallman, W. Hebden, Helen Aquino, Cara Cuite, John Lang Dec 2002

Public Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Foods: A National Study Of American Knowledge And Opinion., William Hallman, W. Hebden, Helen Aquino, Cara Cuite, John Lang

John T. Lang

The report begins with an investigation of Americans’ awareness of the presence of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in the foods they encounter everyday. Next, the report describes Americans’ actual and perceived knowledge of science, biotechnology and food production. It then examines American opinions about GM foods in general, along with their opinions on a variety of existing and potential GM food products with direct or indirect consumer benefits. The report discusses the relationship between opinions of GM food and a variety of factors, including demographics, knowledge of biotechnology, purchasing behaviors and styles of food selection. Finally, it describes Americans’ thoughts …