Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors on animal agriculture: evaluating the effects of a modified Deliberative Poll

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of a modified Deliberative Poll (DP), a methodology traditionallyused in political science, to assess shifts in college students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to animal agriculture. This is the first known use of a DP for the topic of animal agriculture. The modified DP was conducted with 40 self-selected undergraduate participants enrolled in a 10-week course that included lectures, small group discussion, and expert panels related to meat production and sustainability problems and interventions. Surveys administered before and after the DP assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding meat consumption and sustainability and proposed systems interventions. Findings indicated that participants improved their knowledge of animal agriculture, increased their trust in farmers, and moderated their positions on related systems interventions. These results suggest that a DP format can help participants grapple with the tradeoffs inherent in sustainability issues. Overall, this intervention demonstrates promise for advancing sustainability education and could be adapted for use in broader food systems engagement efforts.