Genetically modified organisms (GMO) in opinions completing secondary schools in Lublin

Abstract

Abstract The objective of the conducted analysis is the opinion of adolescents completing secondary schools concerning genetically modified organisms (GMO) and determination of the relationship between the level of knowledge concerning GMO, and evaluation of the safety of their use in industry and agriculture. The scope of problems undertaken was elaborated based on the survey studies conducted on a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary schools from the Lublin Region, including 250 attending general profile secondary schools and 250 from agricultural technical schools. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey, using the questionnaire technique. The results of the study showed that the respondents perceived both positive and negative aspects of producing genetically modified (GM) products. These evaluations were significantly related with the respondents’ level of knowledge concerning GMO. The higher the level of knowledge, the more positive the evaluations of the adolescents concerning the cultivation and breeding of GMO, and more frequent indications that the consumption of products manufactured from these organisms is safe.