Assessing quality, content, and accessibility of web information about plant biotechnology.
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International journal of biotechnology
Abstract
The ability to obtain reliable information is critical for
decision makers. We examined sources of information about plant
biotechnology available on the internet to identify credible, high calibre
websites. Google-based searches were performed using: ‘plant biotechnology’,
‘plant genetic engineering’, ‘genetically modified organisms’, ‘GMO’, ‘living
modified organisms’ and ‘LMO’. Lists of websites retrieved, frequency of use,
and audience varied greatly depending on keyword. Quality of content as
assessed by frequency of updates, subject depth, declaration of authorship,
indication of source of information, credibility of source, and neutrality,
differed significantly among websites. The majority of high quality sites had
government, academic, or research affiliations, however these were less
frequently retrieved among the top listed websites. To ensure accurate public
awareness about plant biotechnology it is important that high quality sites are
recommended by information providers, and that they utilise terminology most
frequently used by the public.
Description
Keywords
genetically modified organisms; GMO; living modified organisms; LMO; plant biotechnology; plant genetic engineering; internet search; key words; biotechnology; Google search; web information.
Citation
Zawedde, B. M., Sooriyapathirana, S. S., Bigelow, P. J., Hancock, J. F., & Grumet, R. (2012). Assessing quality, content, and accessibility of web information about plant biotechnology. International journal of biotechnology, 12(3), 198-223.