•  
  •  
 

Modern Psychological Studies

Volume

29

Number

1

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Date

2023

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of film intervention on consumer opinion and behaviors regarding genetically modified (GM) foods. Students, faculty, and community members attended a viewing of the documentary Food Evolution at the University of Scranton and were surveyed pre- and post-viewing. Results show participants who completed the survey after watching the film perceive GM foods as more likely to increase the global food supply and less likely to cause problems for health and the environment compared to those who completed the survey prior to watching the film. Participants were more likely to agree there is a scientific consensus about the safety of GM foods after viewing the film, compared to those answering the question before the film. Participants are more willing to support use of genetic modification in agriculture and food post-viewing. As climate change threatens the stability of our food systems, genetic modification technology (GMT) can provide scientists with additional tools for adapting, to continue to feed the world population. The study suggests the documentary, Food Evolution, is an effective tool for helping viewers understand the potential benefits of GM foods and gaining support of using genetic modification in food production.

Keyword

genetically modified organisms, public opinion, film intervention, climate change

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.