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The purpose of this article is to contribute to a theoretical knowledge base through research by examining factors salient to science education reform and practice in the context of socioscientific issues. The study explores how individuals negotiate and resolve genetic engineering dilemmas. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine patterns of informal reasoning and the role of morality in these processes. Thirty college students participated individually in 2 semi-structured interviews designed to explore their informal reasoning in response to 6 genetic engineering scenarios. Students demonstrated evidence of rationalistic, emotive, and intuitive forms of informal reasoning. Rationalistic informal reasoning described reason-based considerations; emotive informal reasoning described care-based consideration; and intuitive reasoning described considerations based on immediate reactions to the context of a scenario. Participants frequently relied on combinations of these reasoning patterns as they worked to resolve individual socioscientific scenarios. Most of the participants appreciated at least some of the moral implications of their decisions, and these considerations were typically interwoven within an overall pattern of informal reasoning. These results highlight the need to ensure that science classrooms are environments in which intuition and emotion in addition to reason are valued. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed. (Author)

The ability to negotiate and resolve socioscientific issues has been posited as integral components of scientific literacy. Although philosophers and science educators have argued that socioscientific issues inherently involve moral and ethical considerations, the ultimate arbiters of morality are individual decision-makers. This study explored the extent to which college students construe genetic engineering issues as moral problems. Twenty college students participated in interviews designed to elicit their ideas, reactions, and feelings regarding a series of gene therapy and cloning scenarios. Qualitative analyses revealed that moral considerations were significant influences on decision-making indicating a tendency for students to construe genetic engineering issues as well as the application of principles. Issue construal was considerations, a series of other factors emerged as important dimensions of socioscientific decision-making. These factors included personal experiences, family biases, background knowledge, and the impact of popular culture. The implications for classroom science instruction and future research are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (Author)

This paper describes a German project that developed students' capabilities for understanding and valuing biotechnology and genetic engineering, focusing on practical fieldwork with schools by an interdisciplinary team. The paper identifies the characteristics of individual and structural preconditions and their development during active project work within the schools. Project work was organized into five phases that involved contacting the schools, building confidence, initiating project work, integrating researchers as participant observers, and terminating the project. Researchers developed surveys for students and teachers, taking into account recent research on school culture. The surveys examined formation of concepts in natural sciences; views on science, technology, and society; and school culture. Results indicated that in all types of secondary schools, formation of concepts was not sufficiently clear or in-depth. The knowledge base on modern technologies was almost totally dependent upon secondhand information from the media for both teachers and students. There was very little inservice training for teachers of biology and related subjects. The gap between present preconceptions and attainment targets was evident when examining questions on school culture. There was general contentment with school life, though students tended to be critical of preparation for responsible citizenship. (Contains 9 tables, 8 figures, and 19 references.) (SM)

"Schools Ethics Technology" was a German interdisciplinary research project with the Centre of Ethics in the Sciences at the University of Tubingen. The project highlighted the new topic of biotechnology and genetic engineering, involving the formation of active project groups within schools. This study examined teaching activities within 10 project schools over 1 year. Researchers evaluated the role of project work in school development. Students in grades 5-8 and in grades 9-13 completed surveys. Researchers examined teacher portfolios and conducted participant observations. Results indicated that most students felt ill-prepared by the schools for responsible citizenship. Facts from the sciences were only made central in classroom work when they had gained specific significance with regard to a question or when they could be used to show the difference between empirical knowledge and ethical considerations. Verification experiments were only conducted in the classroom if students had discussed their worth and implicit meaning. The role of teachers changed in an analogous way during project work. All schools had difficulties planning and converting the ideas of developed understanding of science and technology into real classroom work. The main cause was the prevalent school culture. The researchers note the need to change school culture at all levels. (Contains 3 figures and 13 references.) (SM)

This document reports a survey instituted to compare the attitudes of students at a Christian college (Prairie Bible College) in Alberta, Canada with those of college students in general concerning the possible use of genetic manipulation. Comparison was made with the findings of a 1990 study by Geremia Veglia, et al., "Public Attitudes toward Human Genetic Manipulation: A Revitalization or Eugenics?" (ED 327 408). The survey was divided into three parts: (1) one measuring the response and acceptance of genetic engineering; (2) the second measuring the response and attitudes toward negative eugenics; and (3) one seeing what, if any, social opinions could influence or rationalize their participation in genetic engineering. These parts of the survey employed the same questions as the study by Veglia. A fourth part was added to measure whether the academic program, length of Christian college study, age, sex, marital status, and parenting had any influence on opinions about genetic engineering. The students at Prairie Bible College, when asked if, as prospective parents they would welcome a program to correct genetic deficiencies, disagreed or strongly disagreed at a rate of 54 percent. Males were in opposition at a rate of 57.5 percent, and females at a rate of 51 percent. This was opposed to the original Veglia survey in which 74.1 per cent of respondents would welcome such a program. The paper concludes that the Christian convictions of the subjects made them much more opposed to genetic manipulation than college students in general. Openness to genetic engineering showed an inverse relationship to the amount of study completed at the Christian college. (DK)

Presented are reports on trends and probable future developments in eight selected areas of basic science and engineering. These reports are: "The Genetic Program of Complex Organisms" (Maxine F. Singer); "The Molecular and Genetic Technology of Plants" (Joseph E. Varner); "Cell Receptors for Hormones and Neurotransmitters" (H. Guy Williams-Ashman); "Psychobiology" (Steven Hillyard); "Surface Science and Its Applications" (Homer S. Hagstrum); "Turbulence in Fluids" (Willem V. R. Malkus); "Lasers" (C. Kumar N. Patel); and "The Next Generation of Robots" (Jacob T. Schwartz). Also presented is an introductory chapter which outlines overarching themes that become apparent when the eight fields are considered as a whole. These themes include changing perspectives on health care, faster pace of technological innovation, importance to scientific and engineering progress of the effective use of new communications technologies, emergence of research-based technologies, need to examine federal policies regarding research and development considered as a whole, and the quickening dissolution of the traditional boundaries between the fields of science and between science and technology. In addition, this chapter discusses the relation of work in the eight areas to the congressional aim of drawing more fully the relation of science and technology to the large and kaleidoscopic agenda with which the nation must deal. (JN)

The eight working papers presented in this compendium were prepared for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as one means to assist the Office of Science and Technology Policy with preparation of the Administration's Annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress, 1981. They focus on specific aspects of three central themes directly related to President Reagan's goal of revitalizing the nation's economy. The themes are: (1) shared responsibility of the public and private sectors for maintaining the strength of U.S. science and technology base; (2) contributions of science and technology to industrial innovation, productivity, and economic growth; and (3) changing international context of U.S. science and technology. The papers do not provide a detailed analysis of all relevant policy issues nor do they attempt to weigh advantages and disadvantages of possible policy options. Rather, each is intended to identify significant current or future national issues in science and technology. Areas addressed, each preceded by an abstract include: space commercialization; genetic engineering; industrial robotics; industrial research, development, and innovation; obsolescence of scientific instrumentation in research universities; adequacy of U.S. engineering education; advancing U.S. national interests through international cooperation in science and technology. Notes on preparation of the compendium are provided in an appendix. (Author/JN)

This report was developed to address institutional biosafety committees' implementation of federal guidelines applicable to the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms. These committees are from universities, companies, and other organizations that are using recombinant DNA technology in their laboratories. The committees are responsible for reviewing research proposals using this technology to insure proper containment of recombinant organisms and the safety of laboratory personnel. This report is on the biosafety committees': (1) membership composition; (2) functions and activity levels; (3) implementation of the National Institute of Health guidelines for research involving recombinant DNA molecules; and (4) role in federal regulation of genetically engineered organisms. In addition, the report deals with the involvement of Montana State University's biosafety committee concerning a recent and deliberate release of genetically engineered organisms without prior approval by the committee or by the Environmental Protection Agency. (TW)

The science of genetics is perceived to offer hope that a large number of the 3,000 inherited diseases which afflict human beings may be prevented or controlled. This document addresses some of the advances that have been made in this field. It includes an introduction and sections on: "The Beginning of Human Genetics"; "Unlocking the Secrets of DNA"; "The Development of Recombinant DNA Techniques"; "A New Understanding of Sickle-Cell Disease and Other Blood Disorders"; "How to Use DNA Fragments to Detect a Disease"; "How DNA Probes Find Their Match"; "Stalking the Most Elusive Genes"; "The Rapid Growth of Gene Mapping"; "Zeroing In on Cancer Genes"; "A Bank of Living Human Cells"; "GenBank: A National Database of Nucleic Acid Sequences"; and "The Promise of Genetic Therapy." A glossary of terms is also included. (TW)

The rapid progress in the biological sciences has resulted in many social, ethical, and legal issues. In medical practice, public health programs, research laboratories, law enforcement, insurance, the patenting process, agriculture, genetic counseling, and other fields, legal controversies and public policy debates have developed. Some of these issues entail challenges to traditional interpretations of constitutional principles. This report deals with the implications of new developments in biological sciences as they relate to the freedoms and protections embedded in the Bill of Rights. The chapters are: (1) "Biology and the Constitution"; (2) "Personal Rights and Technological Might"; (3) "The New Biology"; (4) "Human Genetics and the Constitution"; (5) "Public Health Techniques and Technologies"; and (6) "Medical Interventions: The Beginning and End of Life." The appendix contains a list of the Office of Technology (OTA) reviewers, contractors, workshop participants, and external reviewers. Other OTA assessments in progress, related publications, and an order form are included. (RT)

The concept of owning knowledge is somewhat ethereal and until recently had little relevance to academic institutions. In principle any object that is capable of being controlled is capable of being owned. The most basic control concerns decisions about whether to communicate knowledge. The philosophical foundation which is the basis of the legal recognition of intellectual property in the United States is Article One, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, "Progress of Science and Useful Arts." Underlying the system is, as the U.S. Supreme Court has stated, "the conviction that encouragement of individual effort by personal gain is the best way to advance public welfare through the talents of authors and inventors." At issue is what kind of knowledge should have exclusive ownership rights, and under what conditions. Patent laws do not protect basic scientific discoveries but only the method for making practical use of them. While there may be some reasons for not recognizing proprietary rights in theoretical knowledge, one may suspect that the main arguments against such recognition relate to resulting complex administrative problems. The proprietary view of knowledge could have a very damaging effect both on the way scientists share information and on how topics are selected for research. The time has come when universities have to establish policies regulating the exploitation for personal gain of knowledge obtained while doing scientific research as a member of a university community. (PPB)

New techniques have expanded the field of biotechnology and awarded scientists an unprecedented degree of control over the genetic constitutions of living things. The knowledge of DNA science is the basis for this burgeoning industry which may be a major force in human existence. Just as it is possible to move genetic material from one organism to another, scientists intend to transfer normal genes into somatic cells in order to correct severe genetic disorders. This procedure, called gene therapy, causes some critics to fear that human gene therapy might be used to alter fundamental human traits such as intelligence, personality, or physical appearance. Although scientists counter that it is unlikely that complex human traits can ever be altered by genetic means, the anxiety continues to generate public controversy. This monograph endeavors to help gain public acceptance by providing clear and accurate information, including benefits and risks, about biotechnology by discussing the following topics: (1) definitions of biotechnology; (2) roots of the biological revolution; (3) tools and applications of biotechnology; (4) gene therapy; (5) agricultural and industrial applications; (6) biotech companies; and (7) regulating biotechnology and genetic engineering. Also included are a 14-page glossary of terms commonly used and a 68-item list of the literature cited. (RT)

Information pertaining to biotechnology research that was funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is presented in this report. Findings obtained from state agricultural experimental stations and colleges of veterinary medicine are discussed in 11 appendices. These include: (1) information on USDA's biotechnology research efforts; (2) glossary of technology terms; (3) results of a survey sponsored both by the General Accounting Office (GAO) and the National Association of State University and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC); (4) information on questionnaire development efforts by NASULGC and the USDA's Cooperative State Research Service; (5) listing of state agricultural experimental stations and colleges of veterinary medicine; (6) itemization of biotechnology research projects funded by USDA; (7) data on biotechnology research at state agricultural stations/colleges of veterinary medicine; (8) summaries of 87 projects expected to result in the release of new genetically engineered organisms into the environment; (9) breakdown by state of the 87 genetically oriented projects; (10) itemization of biotechnology research accomplishments since October 1982; and (11) listing of the institutions receiving competitive grants. (ML)

Two areas which will have far reaching consequences for the future of United States agriculture are discussed: (1) biotechnology; and (2) critical economic research in world trade and commodity supply management. Topics in the first area include: controversies related to biotechnology; the relative importance of health, safety, and environmental regulations affecting the commercialization of biotechnology; the relative importance of targeting policies affecting the commercialization of biotechnology; and the expansion of federal responsibilities in biotechnology. Also included are recommendations related to the relative importance of public perception affecting the commercialization of biotechnology, and to scientific expertise and manpower. Topics in the second area include the world food system of the 1970s (examining factors influencing the demand for and consumption of food) and the outlook for the 1990s (considering how population, economic growth, and government policies will affect world agriculture). These topics and recommendations related to conducting critical macroeconomic research and attracting and retaining economic research expertise in the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help in assisting policymakers who develop long-term goals and formulate the new farm bill. Supporting documentation (including a list of existing federal responsibilities regarding agricultural biotechnology by agency and function) is included in appendices. (JN)

The opinions of 1,585 Iowa farmers about 8 emergent agricultural technologies (energy production from feed grains and oils; energy production from livestock waste; genetic engineering research on plants, livestock, and humans; robotics for on-farm use; confinement livestock facilities; and personal computers for farm families) were found to be essentially independent of the respondents' socioeconomic statuses and farm characteristics. The best set of explanatory variables were opinions about science and support for land grant college activities. The more firmly respondents possessed a faith in science to solve society's problems, the greater their support for these third-wave technologies. Given the generally low relationship obtained in this analysis for personal characteristics, farm-firm characteristics, and science orientations, it seems that public acceptance of these technologies is dependent upon yet unidentified factors. Although data were not available in this study, it is suspected that moral and ethical considerations may loom large in the relatively low levels of support received by some of these third-wave technologies and may prove pivotal to both how farmers react to the newer technologies and to the scientific endeavors that create them. (Author/NEC)

To aid in the effort to define comprehensive long-range planning goals in bioregulation, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) asked the Board of Agriculture of the National Research Council to undertake a study of the ARS research programs concerned with bioregulation. (For the purposes of this study bioregulation was interpreted broadly to be basic studies of key processes in the biosciences). This document presents specific program objectives for long-term research in the areas of: (1) genetic engineering; (2) food animals (with references to disease, growth and metabolism, and development and reproduction); (3) crops (citing needs relating to carbon and nitrogen input, growth and development, and physicochemical stress); and (4) plant diseases and insect pests (including plant-pathogen interactions, biological control, insect neurobiology, and pesticides). In addition, an attempt is made to define an optimal climate for basic research to occur. Is is recommended that ARS implement a comprehensive program which would help create this climate for productive research. A list of ARS laboratory groups visited is appended. (TW)