This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
What’s the most effective way to educate consumers about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
Educating consumers about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Challenge
Many consumers have negative beliefs about GMOs and say they know “a lot about these products.” Research, however, suggests this “knowledge” is often inaccurate. Nevertheless, consumers are reluctant to accept new information about GMOs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is interested in what materials and messages will most effectively educate consumers who are negatively disposed toward GMOs.
Solution
Westat brings our expertise in focus group moderating and qualitative analysis to this study. We are conducting 64 focus groups in 3 waves throughout the country with consumers who say they know at least “a little” about GMOs.
In the groups, we show participants draft materials and messages about GMOs to learn what information resonates, what sources are most credible, and why.
Results
Study findings show that consumers have heard negative things about GMOs and are distrustful of them. However, when asked for specifics, consumers acknowledge they know very little about these products.
Focus group findings are contributing to an FDA-U.S. Department of Agriculture website aimed at giving consumers easy-to-understand historical and technical information about biotechnology.
-
Perspective
Teacher Apprenticeships Strengthen the WorkforceJuly 2024
Many state education agencies (SEAs) are addressing teacher shortages by creating and expanding alternative paths to the teaching profession. One fast-growing option is teacher apprenticeships,…
-
Expert Interview
Passport to Careers: Aiding Foster and Homeless Young AdultsJuly 2024
The Passport to Careers program in Washington State supports former foster youth and homeless youth unaccompanied by a parent or guardian in achieving their college…
-
Perspective
Highlights of Westat at AAPOR 2024May 2024
We’ve returned from the 79th Annual American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Conference, held May 15-17 in Atlanta, where we caught up with colleagues…