Impact of Abstract Versus Concrete Conceptualization of Genetic Modification (GM) Technology on Public Perceptions

Details

• Personal Author:
  Hallman WK ; Hardy BW ; Lybrand E ; Tallapragada M
• Description:
  Based on the scholarship of abstract/concrete cognition, mental schema, and the integrated model of behavior change, this study found that using concrete over abstract language increased support for specific genetically modified (GM) applications and GM in general, and improved intentions to purchase products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). An online survey with an embedded 3 × 2 experiment was conducted using a national sample of U.S. adults (N = 1,470). Participants were randomly assigned to conditions that varied in abstract/concrete conceptualization of GMOs and were prompted to assess GM risk and benefit perceptions with respect to human health and the environment. Regardless of whether they assessed risks or benefits, participants who assessed GMOs through concrete terms compared to abstract terms showed an increase in positive emotions, which in turn increased their support for specific GM applications and GM in general, and their intentions to buy products with GMOs. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Behavior Communication Health Promotion Nervous System Occupational Health Risk Assessment Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Abstract Behavior Patterns Cognitive Function Communication Research Concrete Environmental Health Genetically Modified Organisms Genetic Modification Health Promotion Mental Processes Risk Analysis Risk Assessment

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• ISSN:
  0272-4332
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  New Jersey ; OSHA Region 2 ; OSHA Region 3 ; Pennsylvania
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  NPPTL - National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  41
• Issue:
  6
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20061122
• Citation:
  Risk Anal 2021 Jun; 41(6):976-991
• Contact Point Address:
  Meghnaa Tallapragada, 1701 N 13th Street, Weiss Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122
• Email:
  meghnaa.tallapragada@temple.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2021
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Risk Analysis
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:32fe0439c89e44a8abc8ac97ae0d2061861171715d98a40e55a76adb8f220db2a04be226f21d2f59b0202d8a828c4b75b431d517c9dfe4604087e153e2d95ef0
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/224774/cdc_224774_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 310.83 KB ]