Table 2.

Results of between group (lay/experienced) χ² test and subsequent posthoc (residual chi-square) test to questions posed in Fig. 1. Bonferroni-adjusted p-value of 0.004.

Sub-question according to Fig. 1	χ2	df	p	Significant difference according to posthoc test in response selection (between ‘true’, ‘false’, ‘don't know’)	Notes
Upsetting of the hormonal system	25.98	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.0001); ‘don't know’ (p < 0.004)
Lung irritation/breathing problems	31.83	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Cancer	30.61	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Stomach upset	29.02	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Kidney disease	62.04	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Poisoning	32.61	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Headaches	24.75	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Microplastics have been proven to cause some types of cancer	60.65	2	< 0.000001	‘False’ (p < 0.000001)
Microplastics have been found in human food sources	26.66	2	< 0.000001	‘True’ (p < 0.00001); ‘don't know’ (p < 0.00001)	Yates correction
Marine organisms have been shown to consume microplastics	16.05	2	0.000001	‘True’ (p < 0.001); ‘don't know’ (p < 0.001)	Yates correction