Critical factors and pathways influencing genetically modified food risk perceptions. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Yan; She, Shengxiang; Yang, Fan; Ashworth, Peta; Eimontaite, Iveta; Wang, Junxiu
• Is Part Of: Journal of risk research. Volume 22:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: GM foods -- risk perceptions -- cognitive appraisal -- emotional response -- fairness -- controllability; Technology -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Risk assessment -- Periodicals; 658.155
• DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2017.1351468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-9877

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to identify the critical factors and paths that affect the Chinese public's risk perceptions of genetically modified (GM) foods from an emotional appraisal perspective. Using an experiment conducted with university undergraduate business students in China, we examined the evaluative pathways of the Chinese public by manipulating fairness and controllability appraisals in scenarios constructed about GM foods risk. The experiment was designed around two evaluative pathways – consequentialist and deontological perspectives – focusing on controllability and fairness. This led to a distinct set of emotional responses. It was found that both consequence-based and morality-based emotions caused stronger perceived risks toward GM foods. Understanding these responses provides new insight into how scientists and experts in China might best frame their communications about GM foods.