Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess both high school and college students for the extent of their knowledge of some of today's genetic issues and the value stances they hold with respect to these issues. How many have even heard of some of the most common and serious genetic birth defects? How many are scientifically literate with regard to new genetic developments? How many could vote knowledgeably on these issues or make mature decisions concerning their own future families?To answer these questions, a survey of college freshman and high school seniors was taken and compared to a similar survey taken three years ago. The two objectives of the study were to determine:1) How knowledgeable today’s students are with respect to human genetics and whether their need for human genetics knowledge is being met in the secondary schools; and2) Whether there have been changes, possibly due to popular mass media coverage, during the preceding three years in the knowledge base and value stances of students.
