Development of a Survey Assessing Attitudes Toward Genetic Research
Joint project with Travis Gibson
Abstract
This study involved the development of a comprehensive questionnaire assessing attitudes toward genetic research. Face validity was obtained by having faculty members with expertise in genetic research rate and edit the questions. The questionnaire was administered to 289 participants (145 males, 144 females). The Attitudes Toward Genetic Research Questionnaire revealed seven primary factors: (a) support of genetic testing for oneself or one’s child, (b) support of genetic testing for others, (c) perceived benefits of genetic research, (d) self-assessed knowledge of genetic research, (e) belief that genes outweigh the environment in determining behavior, (f) belief that genetic research is unethical, and (g) support of federal funding for genetic research. These factors mainly supported the pre-conceived areas of assessment in such attitudes, demonstrating construct validity. One interesting finding was that older individuals were less likely to believe that genetic research was unethical, but were less likely to support funding for genetic research.
Development of a Survey Assessing Attitudes Toward Genetic Research
Upper Atrium/Hallway
This study involved the development of a comprehensive questionnaire assessing attitudes toward genetic research. Face validity was obtained by having faculty members with expertise in genetic research rate and edit the questions. The questionnaire was administered to 289 participants (145 males, 144 females). The Attitudes Toward Genetic Research Questionnaire revealed seven primary factors: (a) support of genetic testing for oneself or one’s child, (b) support of genetic testing for others, (c) perceived benefits of genetic research, (d) self-assessed knowledge of genetic research, (e) belief that genes outweigh the environment in determining behavior, (f) belief that genetic research is unethical, and (g) support of federal funding for genetic research. These factors mainly supported the pre-conceived areas of assessment in such attitudes, demonstrating construct validity. One interesting finding was that older individuals were less likely to believe that genetic research was unethical, but were less likely to support funding for genetic research.
