Investigation of Science and Primary Education Teacher Candidates' Knowledge, Attitudes and Risk Perceptions about GMO Foods

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the knowledge levels, attitudes, and risk perceptions of pre-service science education (PSTs) and primary education (PETs) teachers toward genetically modified organism (GMO). Within the scope of the study, quantitative data were collected from 318 teacher candidates (1st-4th grade students) enrolled in universities in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions of Turkey. Genetically Modified Organisms Knowledge Test (GMOKT), Genetically Modified Organisms Attitude Scale (GMOAS) and Genetically Modified Organisms Risk Perception Scale (GMORPS) were used as data collection tools. The data were evaluated with descriptive and comparative analysis methods using the SPSS package program. The findings showed that the knowledge levels of PETs regarding GMO were significantly higher compared to PSTs (p<0.05). In terms of risk perception, PETs scored higher on the overall scale (p<0.05). However, when personal and general risk perception sub-dimensions were examined, no statistically significant differences were found. Both groups perceived GMO foods as highly risky. The majority of participants have a common belief that GMO products carry risks at both individual and societal levels. The results reveal that teacher candidates’ knowledge, attitudes and risk perceptions about GMO are affected by socio-cultural experiences as well as field education. It is recommended that GMO and biotechnology-based content in teacher training programs be restructured with an interdisciplinary approach and that practices focusing on critical thinking, risk assessment and science-society interaction be included.