Attitudes toward invertebrates: Are educational “Bug Banquets” effective?

Scientists have used educational presentations and “bug banquets” to alter widespread negative attitudes toward invertebrates. In this article, the authors explore whether such presentations have a measurable effect on attitudes. Junior high, high school, and university students completed an attitude survey focusing on invertebrates in general and as a food source. Half of each age group then experienced an educational bug banquet presented by the authors. Several weeks later, all participants again completed the survey. Results suggest that educational bug banquets have complex and subtle effects on attitudes that may depend on age, but they may help prepare people to respond more positively in future encounters with these species.