Research Question
Genetically modified foods have received a lot of criticism. The knowledge individuals have about genetically modified is either incomplete or false. In addition, some of the articles available in the media including the internet seem to be selective to an extent of avoiding scientific evidence and dwelling on moral and ethical reasoning. Considering the constantly rising population and the need to satisfy their food needs, are genetically modified foods the only left solution? Do the positive outcomes out do the negative? Are genetically modified foods more harmful or helpful?
Thesis statement
The genetically modified foods are developed through thorough scientific methods including tests on the effects of the foods. With the demand in food constantly rising, genetically modified foods are more helpful although there is need to control their production and consumption for the sake of the environment and human health.
Research plan
In this research, there will be an analysis of journals and other articles from reliable sources mostly recent reports from different government ministries and departments concerning the agricultural procedures on genetically modified foods. In addition, the report will further include data from environmental experts commenting on these foods and also an interview or video from a medical professional commenting on the issue. The analysis will also consider whether the environmentalists and the medical professionals are selective on their references. This research will also include information collected from friends and families on whether they know about genetically modified foods, the benefits and the lingering negative effects. This will enables us in understanding whether people really have the correct and complete information on the topic. In the end, all this information will be compared and contrasted by the correct information provided by agriculturalists and genetically modified foods experts. Comparing articles and people’s perceptions to what scientific evidence presents will help to establish the true facts and to correct some of the wrong perceptions. In essence, this report is thus intended for the scientists, public and their leadership. It will highlight on their assumptions and knowledge in relation to genetically modified foods.
Research Outline
- Introduction: What are genetically modified foods, their advantages and some of their criticisms?
With the demand for food constantly rising, genetically modified foods are more helpful although there is need to control their production and consumption for the sake of the environment and human health.
- The real and scientifically proven harmful effects of genetically modified foods include: the human health and environmental hazards. They are the sincere side effects that even the agriculturalists can support.
- Misconceptions and baseless criticism of genetically modified foods including the selective selection of sources to refer to. It will include looking at the evidence in The Omnivore’s Dilemma and the kind of evidence presented and that which is left out relating to genetically modified foods.
- The possible control measures on the harmful effects of genetically modified foods
- The need to educate the populations on the true facts surrounding genetically modified foods.
- Call to action: The public perception regarding the genetically modified foods and the scientific side of view seems to be distant. There is need to establish a baseline to make this differing views to table their views to demonstrate that genetically modified foods are more helpful in the end.
References
Fedoroff, N. V., & Brown, N. M. (2004). Mendel in the kitchen: a scientist's view of genetically modified foods. Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry Press.
Harris, N. (2004). Genetically engineered foods. San Diego, CA: Green haven Press.
Pollan, M. (2006). The omnivore's dilemma: a natural history of four meals. New York: Penguin Press.
