Authors
Matthew Robbins, Christopher (CJ) Calabrese, Jieyu Ding Featherstone, and George A. Barnett.
Citation
Robbins, M., Calabrese, C., Featherstone, J. D., & Barnett, G. A. (2021). A textual analysis of agricultural stakeholder representations of genome editing technology. Journal of Science Communication, 20(5), A07. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.20050207
Abstract
The promise of CRISPR-Cas9 (CRISPR) genomic editing applied to agriculture is promoted widely by scientists. We utilized textual analysis methods to compare perceptions of this innovation held by various stakeholder groups — scientists, policymakers, farmers, and the general public. Results reveal distinctions in the semantic structure and concepts emphasized across groups. Scientists and policymakers exhibited a high level of technical sophistication while emphasizing the potential societal benefits, while farmers and the general public focused on perceived personal benefits and familiarity with the issue. These results will aid development of message strategies bridging the gap between the scientific community and key publics.
Keywords
public perception of science and technology, representations of science and technology, science and policy-making.