Expert and Public Perception of Risk from Biotechnology

Abstract

Risk perceptions of a series of biotechnology applications were examined in a public (nonexpert) sample and an expert sample. Compared with the experts, the public perceived all biotechnology applications as more risky. Both groups perceived food-related applications to be riskier than medical applications. Compared with the public, experts perceived both food and medical applications as less harmful and more useful. Experts also judged the risks posed from medical biotechnology applications as more familiar and acknowledged by people and science. Lay estimates of the risk of food applications were predicted by potential harm, potential benefits, science knowledge, and familiarity; experts' estimates were predicted only by harm and benefits. Lay estimates of the risk of medical applications were predicted by potential harm; experts' estimates were predicted by potential benefits, number and type of people exposed, and science knowledge. We discuss the implications of the results for risk communication about and management of different types of biotechnologies.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions of Agricultural Professionals Toward Genetically Modified (GM) Foods: A Case Study in Southwest Iran

“…In Sjoberg's (2008) survey study on the public and experts, the latter perceived fewer risks and more benefits for GM foods and were throughout much more positive to the foods than the former who doubted whether there was sufficient knowledge of the crucial properties of such foods. Also, in a study by Savadori (2004) who investigated expert-lay judgments when the issues are examined from the viewpoints of some 16 different aspects of biotechnology and its applications, some significant expert-lay discrepancies were found. The public found all biotechnology applications more risky than experts who significantly and systematically perceived the food and medical applications of biotechnology as less harmful and more useful.…”

High school and university students' knowledge and attitudes regarding biotechnology

“…This means that Turkish inhabitants do not have personal experiences with buying genetically engineered products, but they are partly influenced by science curriculum that contains basic biotechnology topics although teaching Mendelian genetics and other parts of classic genetics greatly exceeds modern trends in genetic engineering. Turkish citizens are in conflict between impact by media that introduce biotechnology research and discoveries to general public [17], and by unfamiliarity with genetically engineered products that greatly influences perception of them [18]. An intriguing question, whether Turkish citizens are ready for the introduction of genetically engineered products to their country and what their perception of genetically engineered products is; therefore, arises.…”

Nanotecnociência e Humanidade

“…Contudo, a percepção pública de que os avanços biotecnocientíficos representam riscos desconhecidos, que podem demorar a se manifestar ou não ser plenamente observáveis, é contra-argumentada pelo discurso científi-co embasado em cálculos da relação entre risco e benefício, de propriedades ainda não completamente dominadas pelos cientistas (Savadori et al, 2004). Enquanto os cientistas enfocam suas análises em estimativas de incidentes, a população em geral utiliza outros referenciais para esta representação, como a perspectiva de catástrofes e impacto sobre as gerações futuras (Slovic, 1987).…”