The World of Biotechnology from the Student's Insight

Abstract

The significance of biotechnology to the Philippines' economy especially in agriculture cannot be denied and its impact on peoples' daily lives unceasingly increases. Thus, measuring student's awareness and insight on biotechnology is imperative. Moreover, based on a theory in decision making, people's attitudes towards something are influenced by the relevant information they acquire about it. This study was conducted to determine the awareness, perceptions and attitudes of fourth year high school students toward biotechnology. It employed quantitative methods of research particularly the cross-sectional survey design. The respondents of the study were fourth year high school students of Mindanao State University-Integrated Laboratory School (MSU-ILS). Findings showed that the students' awareness and perceptions regarding the recent applications of biotechnology were on the average level. Applications and techniques which do not involve animals had the highest acceptance levels. Furthermore, the study also revealed that students have positive attitudes towards biotechnology specifically on the affective and behavioural components. In fact, 78% of the respondents were interested in biotechnology. Pearson correlation test revealed that there was a high significant relationship between students' perceptions and attitudes toward biotechnology. The research results could serve as a beneficial basis for understanding the level of awareness, perception of students as well as their attitudes towards biotechnology.