Multidimensional analysis of high-school students' perceptions about biotechnology

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Maria Joao Fonseca (Author) Other; Patricio Costa (Author) FPCEUP; Leonor Lencastre (Author) FPCEUP; Fernando Tavares (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Biological Education

Vol. 46 No. 3

Pages: 129-139

ISSN: 0021-9266

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 20 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-68P

DOI: 10.1080/00219266.2011.634019

Abstract (EN): Concerns about public understanding of biotechnology have motivated educational initiatives to improve students' competency to make scientifically sustained decisions regarding controversial issues. Understanding students' perceptions about biotechnology is essential to determine the effectiveness of these programmes. To assess how students' perceptions are modulated, this study evaluates education and gender effects on knowledge, attitudes, interest, and importance given to biotechnology. Following a quantitative assessment approach, a questionnaire was administered to 698 high-school students engaged in three curricular formats: science students attending biology (n = 225); non-biology science students (n = 210); and non-science students (n = 263). The outcomes of this study suggest that education is more determining than gender in shaping students' perceptions and behavioural intentions, which are modulated by cognitive, affective and motivational elements. Students, particularly from non-science courses, revealed knowledge and interest limitations, but acknowledged the importance of biotechnology. Most students demonstrated positive attitudes towards different applications, except when animal manipulation was involved. Positive correlations between knowledge, attitudes, interest and importance attributed to biotechnology were identified. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: <a href="http://gateway.isiknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcAuth=Alerting&SrcApp=Alerting&DestApp=WOS&DestLinkType=FullRecord&KeyUT=000308031200004">Acesso à Web of Science</a> <br> <a href=" http://www.scopus.com/record/display.url?eid=2-s2.0-84868657183&origin=resultslist">Acesso à Scopus</a>

No. of pages: 11