University Students’ Reasons When Deciding on Genetically Modified Agricultural Products

Socio-scientific issues (SSI) are contentious social issues that relate to science and technology. Despite the fact that socio-scientific issues are typically seen as a single entity, they possess multifaceted characteristics. All university students, regardless of their major, should be prepared to analyze complex socio-scientific issues and educated as scientifically literate individuals. This study examined the reasons affecting university students’ decision-making regarding the production and use of genetically modified agricultural products. The survey, which included five positive and five negative reasons for the production and use of GMOs, was developed with consideration of the key dimensions of the SEE-SEP model (science, environment, economy, ethics and policy), which is developed for comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing individuals’ decision-making. The data were collected from 110 university students. The findings indicated that while 65% university students do not support GMOs 35 % support, regardless of their major. With respect to reasons, similarities and the differences are observed between supporters and non-supporters as well as between science and non-science majors. For both comparisons, science- and environment-based reasons were found to be the most effective in shaping university students’ decisions, followed by other reasons in differing orders. The implications are discussed for addressing SSI in college classes.