1. Science and Technology: Public Attitudes, Knowledge, and Interest. Science and Engineering Indicators 2020. NSB-2020-7
- Author
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National Science Foundation, National Science Board, Besley, John C., and Hill, Derek
- Abstract
This thematic report presents indicators about people's attitudes toward issues related to science and technology (S&T), awareness of basic S&T facts, and how people interact with science. It shows that most Americans hold positive beliefs about the benefits of S&T, have relatively high confidence in the scientific community compared with other groups, and believe that scientists are seeking to improve society. Most Americans also see value in federal funding of scientific research, and an increasing percentage of Americans indicate that current spending on science, health, and other issues is too low. These positive perceptions are, however, accompanied by some concern that S&T may be making "life change too fast." There are also relatively high levels of concern about specific environmental issues, such as water pollution and climate change, and technologies, such as genetically engineered food and nuclear energy. Americans report high levels of interest in new medical discoveries and the environment. However, interest in both topics has declined over time. Americans report relatively moderate but stable levels of interest in other S&T issues, such as new scientific discoveries and new inventions and technologies. Americans' use of the Internet for science and general news has grown steadily over most of the last 20 years, and the Internet has become the most widely used source. Reliance on television and traditional newspapers has dropped in the same period for science and general news. Zoos and aquariums continue to be the most popular types of informal science institutions, with the share of Americans visiting these venues remaining fairly stable. [For the technical appendix, see ED612114.]
- Published
- 2020