Americans divided over public opinion’s role in science policy

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October 21, 2022

Americans Value U.S. Role as Scientific Leader, but 38% Say Country Is Losing Ground Globally

Americans divided over public opinion’s role in science policy

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Americans divided over public opinion’s role in science policy

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Americans Value U.S. Role as Scientific Leader, but 38% Say Country Is Losing Ground Globally
Most Americans support role for U.S. as global leader in science, but few see its prominence increasing
Democrats far more likely than Republicans to support an active policy role for scientists
Americans’ confidence in scientists differs across partisan affiliation, race and ethnicity, and education
Americans’ trust in scientists steady over past year
Majorities of U.S. adults express at least some confidence in scientists and medical scientists, but ratings remain lower than early in the coronavirus outbreak
Democrats continue to express higher confidence in scientists than Republicans
College-educated Democrats express higher confidence in scientists
About three-in-ten Americans have a great deal of confidence in scientists
Decline in share of Americans saying scientists should play an active role in policy debates
Partisan divides in views of scientists’ influence on public policy
Share of Americans who think scientists make better policy decisions declines
Most Democrats and Republicans say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile
54% of Americans think it is very important the U.S. is a world leader in scientific achievements
Few Americans think the U.S. is gaining ground in science compared with other countries

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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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