Examining the relationship between gene editing knowledge, value predispositions, and general science attitudes among U.S. farmers, scientists, policymakers, and the general public

Authors

Christopher (CJ) Calabrese, Jieyu Ding Featherstone, Matthew Robbins, and George A. Barnett

Citation

Calabrese, C., Featherstone, J. D., Robbins, M., & Barnett, G. A. (2021). Examining the relationship between gene editing knowledge, value predispositions, and general science attitudes among U.S. farmers, scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Journal of Science Communication, 20(2), A02. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.20020202

Abstract

Science communication scholars have debated over what factors are related to public support for science and technology. This study examines the relationship between factual knowledge of gene editing technologies, value predispositions, and general science attitudes among four major U.S. agricultural stakeholder groups: farmers, scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Understanding these factors will aid in guiding message strategies for engagement with stakeholder groups. Findings indicate that gene editing knowledge was positively associated with science attitudes for all four groups, while conservative ideology was negatively associated with science attitudes among three of the groups. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Keywords

public perception of science and technology, public understanding of science and technology.