Majorities say the public doesn’t know enough about science to understand research findings covered in the news

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September 21, 2020

1. Scientists are among the most trusted groups in society, though many value practical experience over expertise

Majorities say the public doesn’t know enough about science to understand research findings covered in the news

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Majorities say the public doesn’t know enough about science to understand research findings covered in the news

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1. Scientists are among the most trusted groups in society, though many value practical experience over expertise
Relatively high trust in the military, scientists across surveyed publics
Left-leaning adults tend to trust scientists more than those on the right; those leaning right often express higher levels of trust in the military
In the U.S., there are wide political differences in trust in military and scientists
In many places, modest differences by ideology in views of scientists’ judgments, value of experts
Those with favorable views of right-wing populist parties are often less trusting of scientists, more trusting of the military
Science news coverage generally seen in a positive light
Older adults are often more likely to say the media do a good job covering science news

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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