Science and Scientists Held in High Esteem Across Global Publics
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
44% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the scientific community, while 47% have only some confidence and 7% have hardly any.
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.
Americans’ concerns about animal biotechnology focus on risks to animals, humans and the ecosystem.
Divides in public opinion over food are encapsulated by how people assess the health effects of two kinds of food: organic and genetically modified foods.
Overall, 36% of Americans get science news at least a few times a week and three-in-ten actively seek it. Most get science news from general news outlets, but more see specialty sources as being accurate.
Many in the general public expect scientific and technological innovation to bring helpful change to society. Yet, when Americans are asked about the potential use of emerging technologies that could push the boundaries of human abilities, they are far more cautious about the morality and effects of these advances.
The following material covers the various views of subsets of AAAS members on each of the 13 issues that were highlighted in our original report about the gaps between scientists and citizens. Climate Change There are wide differences between the general public and AAAS scientists overall when it comes to beliefs about climate change. Fully […]
The general public’s political views are strongly linked to their attitudes on climate and energy issues. But politics is a less important factor on biomedical, food safety, space issues.
A deeper examination of views about key science topics by members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
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