Early Exposures to Ecogenomics: Effects of Priming and Web Site Interactivity Among Adolescents

Abstract

In the context of public introductions to emerging technologies, this study examined effects of priming and Web site interactivity on adolescents’ attitude development and information processing. In a four (priming) by three (interactivity levels) experiment, participants ( N = 273) were required to search for and process Web-based information about ecogenomics. Results showed that priming ecogenomics as biotechnology, ecology, economy, or science in general did not affect attitude development. Interactivity levels, manipulated as low, medium, and high, were found to influence adolescents’ time invested in the information-processing task, perceived cognitive load, and Web site evaluations.