RTTA 2: Public Opinion & Values

Whiteboard with research notes on it

The goal of RTTA 2 is to monitor and track the understanding of nanotechnology and values relating to its potential societal outcomes among both the public and scientists, and to examine the role of the media in reflecting and influencing that understanding.

RTTA 2 is carried out in three parts:

  • RTTA 2/1 Public Opinion Polling is the major project, conducting nationwide public opinion polls to understand the public’s knowledge and values regarding nanotechnology. 
  • RTTA 2/2 Scientists’ Opinions and Values is a research theme that conducts polls of researchers to understand their perceptions and values regarding nanotechnology. 
  • RTTA 2/3 Media Influence tracks media stories of nanotechnologies and, using a quasi-experimental design, attempts to understand how various stylistic treatments can influence public understanding.

Recent Publications from RTTA 2

Corley, Elizabeth A., Youngjae Kim and Dietram A. Scheufele. 2015. "Scientists' Ethical Obligations and Social Responsibility for Nanotechnology Research." Science and Engineering Ethics. doi: 10.1007/s11948-015-9637-1
Akin, Heather. In review. 2014. "A Cross-cultural Comparison of Values, Knowledge, and Media Factors Affecting Public Perceptions of Climate Change." Doctoral Dissertation. Mass Communications. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, WI.
Akin, Heather, Sara K. Yeo, Dietram A. Scheufele, Dominique E. Brossard and Michael A. Xenos. May 2014. "The Spillover Heuristic? How the GMO Labeling Debate Affects Information Processing of Nanotechnology." Presentation. Annual Convention of the International Communication Association (ICA). Seattle, WA.