Public Acceptance of Plant Biotechnology

1. To determine the cognitive or decision-making models that individuals and groups (e.g.: consumers, producers, regulators, scientists) employ when evaluating plant biotechnology. The cognitive models or strategies the lay public employs in determining the acceptability of plant biotechnology will be compared with those of biotechnology experts. The research will examine the role of (a) risk characteristics; (b) values; (c) worldviews; (d) environmental beliefs; (d) demographics; and (e) knowledge as determinants of public perceptions and attitudes. 2. To evaluate the procedural justice issues surrounding the regulatory process and biotechnology industry.