The National Science Foundation in the USA has published its 2012 edition of Science and Engineering indicators. Chapter 7 of this enormous publication is about Public attitudes and understanding. At 51 pages long, it is far too much to take in on a Friday afternoon, so here are a few edited highlights….
- Americans are now as likely to rely on the internet as television for scientific information.
- 75% of Americans consider nuclear power stations extremely or somewhat dangerous.
- Americans (82%) support the federal funding of research even if it brings no immediate benefit.
- 6%
of Americans consider astrology “very scientific”. - Americans are more likely to visit a science museum than people from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Europe, and Brazil.
Annual surveys such as this one are most interesting for showing trends over many years. Trends over the last decades include….
- Many Americans are sceptical about evolution, but it is surprising to know that these views have not changed significantly over the last 30 years.
- Opposition to research on animals has increased significantly over the last decades.
- More people believe that pesticide use in farming is dangerous, but opinions on the dangers of air and river pollution have remained stable.
- There has only been a small change in people’s attitudes to the danger posed by climate change.
- Scientists enjoy a high level of prestige, but it is slowly falling over the years.
