Information and Attitudes: Consulting the public about biomedical science

In 1999, the Wellcome Trust funded the National Centre for Social Research to design a study of what people thought about gene therapy. The study covered lay attitudes towards genetic technology, but also looked in detail at what kind of information and discussion people found helpful and, in particular, on whether any of this was likely to alter their views. So as well as yielding specific information about attitudes to one particular novel biomedical technology, it offered useful data about methods of deliberation, consultation and public engagement more generally.

The research was primarily concerned with building upon existing models of social research to develop more rigorous models of public consultation. It assessed the impact of innovative stimuli intended to encourage and support debate about the social and ethical issues raised by scientific developments. By combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches in a panel study, it attempted to offer both breadth and depth of understanding in relation to public attitudes towards gene therapy.

Following a detailed survey of opinion, the study involved a series of follow-up enquiries designed to shed light on what kind of information or process may affect attitudes. That is, it went beyond survey methodology to provide people with more information, and allowed participants to discuss a range of issues.

This report looks at the methods and processes used in the study; it focuses both on ways of providing information and on their possible effects on knowledge and attitudes. The results should be of use to those interested in setting up public information campaigns and consultations.

Download the full report [PDF 428KB].