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P2-104 Assessment of Potluck Panic, an On-line Game for Post-secondary Food Safety Education

Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Exhibit Hall (Tampa Convention Center)
Adrienne Shearer , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Dallas Hoover , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Jeanne Gleason , New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , NM
Barbara Chamberlin , New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , NM
David Abraham , New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , NM
Pamela Martinez , New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , NM
Jeffrey Klein , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Joan Buttram , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Sue Snider , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Kalmia Kniel , University of Delaware , Newark , DE
Introduction:  Educational games support science learning through cognitive gains and attitudinal shifts. Food science is predominantly an elective in education; experiences outside of the classroom often shape food safety knowledge and perception.

Purpose:  An on-line, educational, food safety game, Potluck Panic, was assessed for impact on player food safety knowledge and attitudes.

Methods:  Focus group participants (n=40) were recruited by students enrolled in an honors section of a food science course, with IRB approval. Subjects played Potluck Panicand answered questions before and after play. Pre-tests consisted of knowledge-based (15), perception (20), and demographic (6) questions. Post-play tests consisted of different 15 knowledge-based questions, the same 20 perception questions, and game evaluation questions.

Results: Study subjects were predominantly between the ages of 18 and 21 years (85%), U.S. citizens (93%), and female (63%). Nearly half (48%) majored in a physical science, primarily life sciences. Fewer than half (42%) were introduced to food safety in high school; 76% indicated they learned food safety at home. Almost half (46%) reported previous use of educational games. Among all subjects, knowledge-assessment items were slightly lower post-play but not statistically significant (p>0.05). Subjects who scored in the lowest quartile on the pre-test showed the greatest improvement. Game play increased subjects’ beliefs that scientific expertise is needed for safe food production (10% increase), industry employs professionals responsible for food safety (14% increase), and regulatory agencies rank most reliable among provided sources of food safety information (7% increase). The majority of players enjoyed the game (75%), reported increased awareness of (88%) and interest in (76%) food safety, intended to seek more information (73%), and were more interested in the food science major (54%) after game play.

Significance: Potluck Panic effectively illustrated food safety as an important scientific discipline and improved cognition among subjects with least food safety familiarity.

Back to: Poster Session 2 – Food Chemical Hazards and Food Allergens, Food Toxicology, Meat, Poultry and Eggs, Epidemiology, Retail and Food Service Safety, Communication Outreach and Education, Molecular Analytics, Genomics and Microbiome, Laboratory and Detection Methods, and Dairy
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