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Impact of Abstract Versus Concrete Conceptualization of Genetic Modification (GM) Technology on Public Perceptions
Author(s) -
Tallapragada Meghnaa,
Hardy Bruce W.,
Lybrand Evan,
Hallman William K.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
risk analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.972
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1539-6924
pISSN - 0272-4332
DOI - 10.1111/risa.13591
Subject(s) - conceptualization , schema (genetic algorithms) , perception , genetically modified organism , cognition , risk perception , psychology , sample (material) , scholarship , social psychology , applied psychology , marketing , business , economics , computer science , artificial intelligence , machine learning , biochemistry , chemistry , chromatography , neuroscience , gene , economic growth
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.