Publication Date

1972

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Parham, Ellen S.||Rehfeld, Betty Mae

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Home Economics

LCSH

Ecology; Food adulteration and inspection

Abstract

Attitudes and knowledge of food quality and the environment were compared between 220 young adults, ages eighteen to twenty-four years, and their parents. Their willingness to participate in steps to protect food and the environment, as well as the socioeconomic levels influencing these factors, were also compared. A three-part questionnaire was constructed as the measuring instrument to assess these factors. The questionnaire contained statements found in newspapers, magazines, journals, books, and information published by the Food and Drug Administration. Many of these publications were associated with the "Teach-In on the Environment" held on April 22, 1970. The participants were asked to respond to the statements measuring attitudes and knowledge given a five-point rating scale, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The statements used to assess willingness required responses ranging from definitely yes to definitely no. The findings suggested young adults and their parents do not differ in their attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to participate concerning food quality and the environment. Correlation was found between attitudes and knowledge, attitudes and willingness, and knowledge and willingness of young adults and their parents, significant at the .001 level. A large percentage of the participants were of middle class status. The findings showed very low correlation between knowledge and socioeconomic levels of parents and no correlation between knowledge and socioeconomic levels of young adults. The study showed no correlation between socioeconomic level and attitudes and willingness of young adults. A very low correlation between socioeconomic level and attitudes of parents was noted, with no correlation between socioeconomic level and willingness. In conclusion, this study showed no difference in attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to participate concerning food quality and the environment between young adults and their parents. Correlation between attitudes and knowledge, attitudes and willingness, and knowledge and willingness of both young adults and their parents were found. Very low or no correlation was found between socioeconomic levels and the three other variables.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

v, 65 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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