Public reactions to information about genetically engineered foods: effects of information formats and male/female differences

Abstract

Developing effective communication strategies to inform the public about genetic engineering applications in food production is critical for the successful commercialization and future development of the technology. However, few existing studies in the United States have examined how communication materials affect public understanding of new technologies. Our survey study examined the effect of two information formats developed according to public issue education principles on the public understanding of, interest in and attitude towards genetically engineered salmon. In addition, we examined male/female differences in attitude. Our results indicated that participants who read the “consequence” information learned more, expressed more interest, and indicated higher level of actual confidence in judgment than those who read the “perspective” information. Women were less approving of genetically engineered salmon than men were both before and after reading the information. Reading information led to a positive change in attitude although the effect size was not different between sexes. The male/female difference was likely due to women's higher level of concern about effects on humans and greater trust of environmental groups compared to men's. Suggestions for designing an effective print communication about a specific genetic engineering application are presented.