Correcting misperceptions about stigmatized ingredients: MSG
| dc.contributor.author | Greenacre, L. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Patrick, S. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Yang, R. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Jaeger, V. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Martin, J. | |
| dc.date.issued | 2016 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Stigmatized ingredients present a problem for manufacturers, as fears surrounding foods limit the range of products the public will accept. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly stigmatized ingredient, despite it being consistently deemed safe for human consumption by experts. This study examined three strategies for correcting the stigmatization of MSG. Using three treatments and a control condition, the study compares the effectiveness of different corrective communication strategies using a test-retest design. Results from 1308 participants presents strong evidence that providing factual information in the form of a rational appeal is a highly effective strategy for increasing the willingness and likelihood of consuming MSG. The findings demonstrate that an endorsement from a celebrity (in this research Chef Heston Blumenthal) as a form of emotional appeal is less effective at improving such perceptions. The study also tests for a minority 'backlash' effect among some participants, whose misperceptions may strengthen in the face of disconfirming evidence. The implications for improved food labeling and consumer wellbeing are discussed. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Food Quality and Preference, 2016; 48(Part A):93-98 | |
| dc.identifier.doi | 10.1016/j.foodqual.2015.09.001 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 0950-3293 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1873-6343 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/11541.2/111618 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Pergamon | |
| dc.rights | Copyright 2015 Elsevier | |
| dc.source.uri | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2015.09.001 | |
| dc.subject | stigmatized ingredient | |
| dc.subject | MSG | |
| dc.subject | corrective communication | |
| dc.subject | likelihood | |
| dc.subject | willingness | |
| dc.subject | misperception | |
| dc.title | Correcting misperceptions about stigmatized ingredients: MSG | |
| dc.type | Journal article | |
| pubs.publication-status | Published | |
| ror.mmsid | 9915968509901831 |