Analysis of Public Opinion Surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms
Funders: Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy, Texas A&M University and the Institute for Public Policy, University of New Mexico
In the fall of 2000, the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy partnered with the Institute for Public Policy at the University of New Mexico to conduct a study of the way the U.S. public processes information on GMOs and forms opinions on the various aspects of this important topic. This study yielded data from both focus groups and surveys. This investigation is seen as the first in a series of investigations of how scientific information is transferred, processed, and used by the public and by policy makers. The research team has made presentations to the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, presented a paper at the Midwest Political Association Meeting in April 2002, and is currently working to publish its findings.
The research team included Dr. Arnold Vedlitz (ISTPP/political science), Dr. Hank Jenkins-Smith (George Bush School of Government and Public Service/political science), Dr. Letitia T. Alston (ISTPP/sociology), Dr. Guy D. Whitten (political science), and Dr. Carol Silva (George Bush School/political science). Both Dr. Jenkins-Smith and Dr. Silva were formerly with the Institute for Public Policy at the University of New Mexico.
