Objective
Previous surveys have usually relied on two different outcome variables. The first outcome
variable is a measure of general support for or opposition to nanotechnology; the second
outcome variable is a measure of perception of risks versus benefits of nanotechnology
(Cobb and Macoubrie 2004). While adults’ perceptions and attitudes have been widely
studied, the attitudes of young people, especially their knowledge about and perceptions of
the risks and benefits of nanotechnology, have been rather neglected. The objective of the
study was to investigate middle school students’ awareness, opinions and risk perceptions
of nanotechnology. On the basis of these considerations, we put forth the following
research questions (RQ):