Public confidence in scientists has remained stable for decades
44% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the scientific community, while 47% have only some confidence and 7% have hardly any.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
44% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the scientific community, while 47% have only some confidence and 7% have hardly any.
Most Democrats think scientists should take an active role in policy debates, while 56% of Republicans say they should focus on establishing sound scientific facts.
Many Americans can answer at least some questions about science concepts. Science knowledge levels remain strongly tied to education; Republicans and Democrats are about equally knowledgeable.
Majorities of Americans see at least some risk from food produced using hormones, antibiotics, pesticides or artificial ingredients; half the public says that foods with genetically modified ingredients are worse for one’s health than foods without.
Support for focusing on alternative energy development (is up slightly since December 2014, but wide political differences remain.
As public debates continue over a range of science-related topics, including climate change and the safety of eating genetically modified (GM) foods, Americans are largely skeptical about the degree to which scientists understand these two issues, whether there is scientific consensus on them, and the influences on scientists’ research. Recent Pew Research Center studies have […]
Americans are polarized over the causes and cures of climate change and how much they trust climate scientists, but most support a role for scientists in climate policy and expanding solar and wind energy.
Differences between Clinton and Trump supporters mirror a deep divide between Democrats and Republicans in their views on climate change and climate scientists.
Amid wide partisan divides over climate issues, conservative Republicans are especially skeptical of climate scientists’ understanding and research.
Americans lean toward regulations – not economic markets alone – as the most effective way to increase reliance on renewable energy, but they are evenly split on whether fewer regulations can protect air and water.
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