Open and transparent research practices and public perceptions of the trustworthiness of agricultural biotechnology organizations

Abstract

Public trust in agricultural biotechnology organizations that produce so-called 'genetically-modified organisms' (GMOs) is affected by misinformed attacks on GM technology and worry that producers' concern for profits overrides concern for the public good. In an experiment, we found that reporting that the industry engages in open and transparent research practices increased the perceived trustworthiness of university and corporate organizations involved with GMOs. Universities were considered more trustworthy than corporations overall, supporting prior findings in other technology domains. The results suggest that commitment to, and communication of, open and transparent research practices should be part of the process of implementing agricultural biotechnologies. AbstractPublic perception of science and technology; Public understanding of science and technology; Risk communication

Effect of information on public perception of organic foods: a case study

“…Consistent with prior work (Dixon, 2016;Landrum et al, 2018;Lewandowsky et al, 2013), our results indicate that preexisting beliefs had a moderating effect on changes in perception. We found different levels of change in perception based on preexisting beliefs about organic and conventionally grown foods.…”

Differential susceptibility to misleading flat earth arguments on youtube

“…Although there is an obvious role for knowledge in public understanding and acceptance of science, the knowledge deficit hypothesis is over-simplistic. Interpretation of scientific information, even when communicated clearly, is conditional on people's values, beliefs, and worldviews (e.g., Brossard, Scheufele, Kim, & Lewenstein, 2009;Landrum, Hallman, & Jamieson, 2019;Landrum, Hilgard, Lull, Akin, & Jamieson, 2018;Nisbet & Scheufele, 2009;Yeo, Xenos, Brossard, & Scheufele, 2015). After all, people often engage in motivated reasoning, dismissing otherwise credible scientific evidence that does not cohere with their preexisting views (Kunda, 1990).…”

Effects of message frames and visual cues on cell-cultured meat communication: sensation seeking as a moderator

“…Both addressing these perceptual challenges and ensuring that technologies develop in line with informed consumer preferences require focusing on interactive science communication about cell-cultured meat. This is exemplified by historical cases like the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) crisis and genetically modified (GM), which underscore the importance of transparent, consistent, and engaging communication strategies for fostering public trust in agricultural technology [Landrum, Hilgard, Lull, Akin & Hall Jamieson, 2018;Nunes Vaz, Dewes, Domingos Padula & Talamini, 2013]. Similarly, for cell-cultured meat, an effective communication strategy should extend beyond mere information dissemination, embracing a more dynamic interaction with the public.…”