The use of selected community groups to elicit and understand the values underlying attitudes towards biotechnology

Abstract

Focus groups were used to examine the social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology through an analysis of five selected community groups (total n = 68): scientists, Buddhists, business people, mothers with young children and the environmentally active. Participants from all groups were united in their perspective on three of the value spheres explored: health and welfare of family/society; maintaining/preserving the environment; and ethical considerations (e.g. welfare of animals, sanctity of life). However, values regarding science and business differentiated scientists and business people from the remaining community segments. Business people were more likely to adhere to "productionism," resulting in a greater acceptance of biotechnology, since business people did not hold the same resentment toward the business sphere held by other community segments. Scientists were far more accepting of the norms and values inherent in the sphere of science, believing science to be more predictable and controllable than general public perceptions. The disparity in worldviews for this value sphere meant scientists and laypeople did not communicate at the same level, in spite of having the same concerns for health and the environment. This resulted in feelings of frustration and powerlessness on the part of the layperson and the scientist.

Attitude and consumption of Bangladeshi professionals toward biotechnological products

“…In fact, public-sector respondents had higher knowledge (53%) and highly favourable attitide (51%) towards biotech products compared to private-sector respondents. Similar attitudes of public-sector respondents towards biotechnological products have been reported [9]. The public-sector respondents were more knowledgeable and have a strong positive thinking towards biotech products in Bangladesh.…”

Interviews with New Zealand community stakeholders regarding acceptability of current or potential pest eradication technologies

“…A large volume of literature indicates that the public place considerable emphasis on the need to know long-term and unknown effects of new technologies on health and the environment (Hamstra 1998;Cook et al 2004;Gamble & Kassardjian 2008). Consistent with this, the general public in our research, and to some extent the DoC personnel, felt this was a significant consideration in determining acceptability of the three pest eradication techniques.…”

Policy Issues and Stakeholder Concerns Regarding the Storage and Use of Residual Newborn Dried Blood Samples for Research

“…These informal group sessions comprise individuals with similar characteristics brought together to discuss their thoughts and beliefs about a specific topic of interest (Krueger, 1994). Focus groups have been used successfully with a number of other studies assessing NBS and genetic issues (Bates, 2005; Davis et al, 2006; Detmar et al, 2007; J. Gamble & Kassardijian, 2008; Wilkinson, 1998).…”