Kurt D. Christensen|TE Jayaratne|J. Scott Roberts|S.L.R. Kardia|EM Petty
Understandings of Basic Genetics in the United States: Results from a National Survey of Black and White Men and Women
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
study examined understandings basic genetic concepts among americansin national telephone survey 1200 americans equal representation among black white men women subjects responded 8 items developed multidisciplinary team experts assessed understanding basic concepts multiple domains including inheritance genetics race genetics behaviorover 70 subjects responded correctly items genetic similarity identical twins siblings less half subjects responded correctly items understanding genetics lowest three areas typeslocations genes body 29 correct genetic basis race 25 correct influence single genes behaviors 24 correct logistic regression models controlling age education showed differences race gender specific items also showed understandings generally similar across groupsmisunderstandings genetics common among black white american men women responses appear reflect personal experiences group values interests findings emphasize need initiatives improve publics genetic literacy well need investigation domain