Misplaced faith: Communication variables as predictors of encouragement for biotechnology development

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2001

Publication Title

Science Communication

Publisher

Sage

Volume

23

Issue

2

Abstract

Science communicators and the broader scientific community often expect media information campaigns to mold attitudes about science and technology in predictable ways. But resistance to technology is not always based on ignorance, and the ability of media-based education to directly shape opinions is actually quite limited. This article uses data from a recent U.S. national survey on opinions about biotechnology to argue that trust in institutional actors is a bigger factor than genetic knowledge in predicting encouragement for specific applications of biotechnology. The results have implications for the practice of science, as well as for the practice of science communication.

Keywords

Biotechnology – Public opinion; Communication in science; Mass media; Science news

Disciplines

Communication | Journalism Studies | Mass Communication | Public Relations and Advertising | Science and Technology Studies | Social Influence and Political Communication

Language

English

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