Student Perceptions of GMOs
Disciplines
Environmental Studies
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Currently, a vast majority of agricultural products’ ingredients have come under harsh scrutiny by both consumers and the agricultural industry due to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The ongoing debate concerns the health risks and economic impact of GMOs in modern society about whether they are safe to consume or if they create agricultural monopolies through the companies that produce, promote, and market their genetically modified products. There have been studies done regarding the effects of GMOs on animals and the benefits and risks associated with them, but there is little research on college students' perceptions of GMOs as well as the efficacy of educational videos in shaping students' perceptions about GMOs. The present study seeks to address this research gap. Students will be asked several questions about their knowledge of GMOs (e.g., “What do you believe is the purpose of GMOs” and “Are you more likely to purchase food that has a label indicating 'non-GMO'?”), then they will be shown an informative video on the pros and cons of GMOS, what GMOs are, and how GMOs play a role in impacting our environment. Participants will then be asked follow-up questions regarding their knowledge of GMOs as well as whether their understanding and opinions have changed about GMOs. The results are expected to show an increase in general knowledge and awareness of GMOs. In conclusion, if our results are as hypothesized, it should show that society and universities are not effectively educating students about this important local, national, and global current issue.
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Amy Buddie
Student Perceptions of GMOs
Currently, a vast majority of agricultural products’ ingredients have come under harsh scrutiny by both consumers and the agricultural industry due to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The ongoing debate concerns the health risks and economic impact of GMOs in modern society about whether they are safe to consume or if they create agricultural monopolies through the companies that produce, promote, and market their genetically modified products. There have been studies done regarding the effects of GMOs on animals and the benefits and risks associated with them, but there is little research on college students' perceptions of GMOs as well as the efficacy of educational videos in shaping students' perceptions about GMOs. The present study seeks to address this research gap. Students will be asked several questions about their knowledge of GMOs (e.g., “What do you believe is the purpose of GMOs” and “Are you more likely to purchase food that has a label indicating 'non-GMO'?”), then they will be shown an informative video on the pros and cons of GMOS, what GMOs are, and how GMOs play a role in impacting our environment. Participants will then be asked follow-up questions regarding their knowledge of GMOs as well as whether their understanding and opinions have changed about GMOs. The results are expected to show an increase in general knowledge and awareness of GMOs. In conclusion, if our results are as hypothesized, it should show that society and universities are not effectively educating students about this important local, national, and global current issue.