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

Calabrese, Christopher; Featherstone, Jieyu Ding; Robbins, Matthew; Barnett, George A.

doi:10.22323/2.20020202

Cited by 10 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(58 reference statements)

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“…However, there is some evidence that public attitudes to gene drives used in agriculture are, as for genetic modification, nuanced by moral concerns and associated attitudes [ 34 ]. Similar findings have been reported for agricultural applications of gene editing [ 35 ]. Generally, the focus of this body of research has tended to be on understanding public attitudes to biotechnological methods applied to plants.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Public Perceptions Regarding Genomic Technologies Applied to Breeding Farm Animals: A Qualitative Study

Naab

Coles

Goddard

et al. 2021

BioTech

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The societal acceptability of different applications of genomic technologies to animal production systems will determine whether their innovation trajectories will reach the commercialisation stage. Importantly, technological implementation and commercialisation trajectories, regulation, and policy development need to take account of public priorities and attitudes. More effective co-production practices will ensure the application of genomic technologies to animals aligns with public priorities and are acceptable to society. Consumer rejection of, and limited demand for, animal products developed using novel genomic technologies will determine whether they are integration into the food system. However, little is known about whether genomic technologies that accelerate breeding but do not introduce cross-species genetic changes are more acceptable to consumers than those that do. Five focus groups, held in the north east of England, were used to explore the perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the use of genomic technologies in breeding farm animals for the human food supply chain. Overall, study participants were more positive towards genomic technologies applied to promote animal welfare (e.g., improved disease resistance), environmental sustainability, and human health. Animal “disenhancement” was viewed negatively and increased food production alone was not perceived as a potential benefit. In comparison to gene editing, research participants were most negative about genetic modification and the application of gene drives, independent of the benefits delivered.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Public Perceptions Regarding Genomic Technologies Applied to Breeding Farm Animals: A Qualitative Study

Naab

Coles

Goddard

et al. 2021

BioTech

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“…Third, extant research shows that people's knowledge in an issue area is associated with their issue‐specific preferences (Stoutenborough and Vedlitz, 2014; Zhang et al., 2020) and their attitudes toward science and technology (Calabrese et al., 2021). A recent study also shows that people's attitudes toward gene drive are affected by participants' pest‐specific knowledge (MacDonald et al., 2020).…”

Section: Empirical Strategy and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

General science‐technology orientation, specific benefit–risk assessment frame, and public acceptance of gene drive biotechnology

Liu,

Goldsmith,

Kang

et al. 2023

Risk Analysis

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With limited understanding of most new biotechnologies, how do citizens form their opinion and what factors influence their attitudes about these innovations? In this study, we use gene drive biotechnology in agricultural pest management as an example and theoretically propose that given low levels of knowledge and awareness, citizens’ acceptance of, or opposition to, gene drive is significantly shaped by two predisposition factors: individuals’ general orientation toward science and technology, and their specific benefit‐risk assessment frame. Empirically, we employ data collected from a recent US nationally representative public opinion survey (N = 1220) and conduct statistical analyses to test the hypotheses derived from our theoretical expectations. Our statistical analyses, based on various model specifications and controlling for individual‐level covariates and state‐fixed effects, show that citizens with a more favorable general orientation toward science and technology are more likely to accept gene drive. Our data analyses also demonstrate that citizens’ specific gene drive assessment frame—consisting of a potential benefit dimension and a potential risk dimension, significantly shapes their attitudes as well—specifically, people emphasizing more on the benefit dimension are more likely to accept gene drive, whereas those who place more importance on the risk dimension tend to oppose it. We discuss contributions of our study and make suggestions for future research in the conclusion.

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“…However, the participants' familiarity with various technologies also influences their opinions on both human and environmental safety [Calabrese, Featherstone, Robbins & Barnett, 2021;Stofer & Schiebel, 2017]. Information treatments can move skeptics more in line with scientific consensus [E. Diamond et al, 2020].…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

U.S. adult viewers of information treatments express overall positive views but some concerns about gene editing technology

Stofer,

Turner,

Rumble

et al. 2023

Journal of Science Communication

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Gene editing techniques (GET) may add precision and speed to the genetic improvement process. However, some adults remain skeptical. We examined U.S. consumer sentiment and concerns about foods derived from GET following information treatments. Randomly assigned participants viewed either: an industry-based video, a food blogger video, or a written article. We coded sentiment and themes of open-ended survey responses. Most responses were in favor of GET after intervention; the industry video produced the most negative attitudes; and technical benefits, concerns, and effects emerged among themes. Our research will help design engagement to boost consumer understanding of GET risks and benefits.

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

Cited by 10 publications

References 31 publications

Public Perceptions Regarding Genomic Technologies Applied to Breeding Farm Animals: A Qualitative Study

Public Perceptions Regarding Genomic Technologies Applied to Breeding Farm Animals: A Qualitative Study

General science‐technology orientation, specific benefit–risk assessment frame, and public acceptance of gene drive biotechnology

U.S. adult viewers of information treatments express overall positive views but some concerns about gene editing technology

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