Differential Effects of Perceived and Objective Knowledge Measures on Perceptions of Biotechnology

Abstract

This paper compares the effects of perceived and objective knowledge measures and their relationship to a series of agricultural biotechnology applications using data gathered in a survey of regional Southwestern adults (N = 432). Findings showed that there were differences between perceived and objective knowledge measures and that these differences varied by application. Differences between the two knowledge measures appeared to be most significant among respondents who indicated that they had no knowledge of biotechnology applications. It is likely that perceived knowledge is more important than actual knowledge for some animal and plant biotechnology applications.