Gender Differences in Perceptions of Genetically Modified Foods

摘要

Anecdotal evidence suggests that gender differences play a role in the perceptions of individuals toward risks associated with food products. In this study, we obtained data that drive analyses of gender differences in perceptions toward biotechnology, specifically genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Using survey-based methods, we statistically evaluate differences of opinion both before and after educational pieces concerning GMOs were provided to the subjects. Mind maps were developed in a network format to illustrate and provide a framework for some of the analyses. The networks were configured using the Network Overview Discovery and Exploration for Excel (NodeXL) plugin. Statistical work was conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). As an alternative source of data, Twitter messages were captured using the Twitter streaming API. The likely gender of the author of each Twitter posting was ascertained through analyses of author names and the text of the message. Basic analytics on the Twitter feeds were carried out on the hypotheses of interest. The study reveals gender differences in risk perceptions, and less than complete agreement between the survey and the social media based studies.