The Effect of Education on the Public Opinion of Synthetic Biology
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
The field of synthetic biology is rapidly growing. The applications have great potential, but they also present new risks and dangers. Future progress in this field substantially depends on public support; therefore, it is important to have quantitative measures of the public opinion of synthetic biology. Using statistical sampling in the form of surveys, we have collected data from an unprecedented religious standpoint. Qualitative data collected from group discussions was used to design the surveys. Findings show that subjects with a religious affiliation were more likely to disapprove of synthetic biology. Findings also reveal a significant difference between educational treatments. A “hands on” approach designed to simultaneously entertain and educate subjects was more effective at increasing positive perceptions of synthetic biology than a formal presentation. The data collected from this research provides significant insights into public opinion and the design of educational tools.
Biography
Amanda is a third-year student at Missouri S&T. She is currently majoring in Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering with a Biochemical Engineering emphasis. She is and has been involved in a number of research projects through the International Genetically Engineered Machines Team (iGEM) and through the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Department of Biological Sciences. She is also the president of iGEM. Amanda enjoys reading, playing ultimate frisbee, playing disc golf, skiing, and scuba diving.
Research Category
Social Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Social sciences oral presentation, First place
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
10 Apr 2012, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
The Effect of Education on the Public Opinion of Synthetic Biology
Carver Room
The field of synthetic biology is rapidly growing. The applications have great potential, but they also present new risks and dangers. Future progress in this field substantially depends on public support; therefore, it is important to have quantitative measures of the public opinion of synthetic biology. Using statistical sampling in the form of surveys, we have collected data from an unprecedented religious standpoint. Qualitative data collected from group discussions was used to design the surveys. Findings show that subjects with a religious affiliation were more likely to disapprove of synthetic biology. Findings also reveal a significant difference between educational treatments. A “hands on” approach designed to simultaneously entertain and educate subjects was more effective at increasing positive perceptions of synthetic biology than a formal presentation. The data collected from this research provides significant insights into public opinion and the design of educational tools.
Comments
Joint project with Erica Shannon