Center for Political Studies
Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, MI
48106-1248
Voice: (734) 763-1348
Fax: (734) 764-3341
Title
Genetics and Stigma: The Role of the Mass Media
Direct Source
Columbia University
Abstract
New information from the mapping of the human genome has the potential to significantly alter the way we view and react to individuals and groups. At the same time, our reactions to this new information will be constrained and shaped by the manner in which it is presented to and understood by the public and by existing social attitudes about the individuals and groups to which that information applies. Accordingly, the proposed research examines the impact of human genetic variation research on existing forms of stigma. Acknowledging the importance of the mass media in communicating genomic research to the public, we have formed a collaboration between experts in stigma and communications to examine how the public understands and responds to information and ideas disseminated through the news media.
Using stigma-relevant themes identified in previous research (positive vs. negative evidence about genetic influence, simple vs. complex description of genetic influence, and benefit vs. harm of genetic research), the specific aims of the proposed research are to:
- Examine the prevalence of these themes in recent newspaper and news magazine coverage.
- Compare the prevalence of these themes in coverage of schizophrenia/bipolar disorder; heart disease; obesity; and racial differences in specific illnesses.
- Examine how the public comprehends, interprets, and reacts to stories reflecting these themes in terms of attitudes, beliefs and behavioral orientations.
- Assess variations in understanding, interpretation and reaction depending on the human characteristic in question.
- Assess variations in understanding, interpretation and reaction depending on sociodemographic characteristics of participants.
We address these aims in two phases: Phase 1 is a content analysis of approximately 150 news stories, published between April 2003 and March 2006, about genetics and one of our four characteristics. In Phase 2, we construct synthetic news stories in which we vary the characteristic described (e.g., heart disease) and the three themes identified above. Then, using a nationally representative sample of 575 adults, we will conduct an online experiment in which respondents are randomly assigned to read one version of the story. Respondents will answer open- and closed-ended questions about their memory, comprehension and attitudinal reactions to the story. The open-ended responses will be coded quantitatively to assess systematic deviations in recall from the content of the article as well as attitudinal reactions to the story.