Attitudes to Genetically Modified Foods, 2009

UKDA study number:6616

Principal Investigator

National Centre for Social Research

Sponsor

Food Standards Agency

Distributed by

UK Data Archive, University of Essex, Colchester.

November 2010

Bibliographic Citation

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National Centre for Social Research, Attitudes to Genetically Modified Foods, 2009 [computer file]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive [distributor], November 2010. SN: 6616, http://dx.doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-6616-1.

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Copyright:
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland

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6616 . Attitudes to Genetically Modified Foods, 2009
(Attitudes to GM Foods)

Depositor:

National Centre for Social Research

Principal Investigator:

National Centre for Social Research

Sponsor:

Food Standards Agency

Other Acknowledgements:

Researchers from the Qualitative Research Unit at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) worked on this project, including: William O'Conner (Director); Clarissa Penfold (Research Director); Ruth Sheldon, Robin Legard and Caroline Turley (Senior Researchers); Nicola Cleghorn (Researcher); and Ashley Brown and Thomas Newmark (Research Assistants).

Abstract:

This is a qualitative data collection. The study was designed to build on the findings of previous Food Standards Agency (FSA) work and specifically aimed to:

• explore why people hold particular views to GM food
• better understand how people's attitudes to genetically modified (GM) food are formed
• explore how people weigh up the risks and benefits associated with GM food
• better understand what causes people to be indifferent to GM food
• explore the circumstances in which people change their views

These objectives were met using a three-stage research design. Firstly, in-depth interviews were held with 30 respondents to the British Social Attitudes, 2008* (BSA) survey, in two geographical areas, to explore what shapes attitudes to GM food. Secondly, two deliberative workshops were held with the interviewed respondents to further understand attitude shaping and explore the impact of receiving information about GM food. Finally, six follow-up telephone interviews explored participants' experience of the research process. Purposive sampling ensured diversity in attitudes to GM food as expressed in the BSA survey, in relation to relevant socio-demographic factors.

Further information about the research, including links to reports, may be found on the NatCen Public Attitudes to GM Foods and FSA Public Attitudes to GM Foods project web pages.

*The British Social Attitudes Survey, 2008 is held at the UK Data Archive under SN 6390.

Main Topics:

The interviews covered background and personal circumstances; attitudes and behaviour in relation to food in general; awareness of and views about food production; knowledge, awareness and understanding of GM foods; attitudes towards GM foods; what kind of further information on GM interviewees would find useful.

Coverage:

Dates of Fieldwork: May 2009 - July 2009
Country: England; Scotland
Spatial Units: No spatial unit
Observation Units: Individuals
Kind of Data: Textual data; Individual (micro) level; in-depth interview transcripts (semi-structured, in that an interview topic guide was used).

Universe Sampled:

Location of Units of Observation: National
Population: Interviews were conducted with 30 respondents to the British Social Attitudes survey (who had agreed to be recontacted), drawn from two geographic areas chosen by the research team. See report for further details.

Methodology:

Time Dimensions: Cross-sectional (one-time) study
Sampling Procedures: Purposive selection/case studies
Number of Units: 30 interviews
Method of Data Collection: Face-to-face interview
Weighting: Not applicable.

Language(s) of Written Materials:

Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:

Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required and standard conditions of use apply. The depositor may be informed about usage. See terms and conditions for further information.
Availability: ESDS Qualidata, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: qualidata@esds.ac.uk

Date of First Release:

2 November 2010

Copyright:

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland

File last updated:

31 October 2011