How U.S. Public Opinion Has Changed in 20 Years of Our Surveys
We took a closer look at how Americans’ views and experiences have evolved on a variety of topics over the last 20 years.
Trust in Science
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Striking findings from 2023
Here’s a look back at 2023 through some of our most striking research findings.
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Americans’ Trust in Scientists, Positive Views of Science Continue to Decline
The share of Americans who say science has had a mostly positive impact on society has fallen 16 percentage points since before the start of the coronavirus outbreak, from 73% in January 2019 to 57% today.
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Americans continue to have doubts about climate scientists’ understanding of climate change
The share of Americans who say climate scientists understand very well whether climate change is occurring decreased from 37% in 2021 to 32% this year.
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Why Some Americans Do Not See Urgency on Climate Change
As the Earth’s temperature continues to rise, climate change remains a lower priority for some Americans, and a subset of the public rejects that it’s happening at all. To better understand the perspectives of those who see less urgency to address climate change, the Center conducted a series of in-depth interviews designed to provide deeper insight into the motivations and views of those most skeptical about climate change.
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Americans’ Largely Positive Views of Childhood Vaccines Hold Steady
About nine-in-ten (88%) Americans say, overall, the benefits of childhood vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella outweigh the risks, identical to the share who said this before the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. adults are less confident in COVID-19 vaccines: Fewer than half rate them as having high health benefits and a low risk of side effects.
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Americans Value U.S. Role as Scientific Leader, but 38% Say Country Is Losing Ground Globally
Large majorities value government investments in science and consider it important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievement, but few think the country is gaining ground globally.
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Americans Reflect on Nation’s COVID-19 Response
Americans offer a lackluster evaluation of how the country has balanced priorities during the coronavirus outbreak. Fewer than half say the country has given the right amount of priority to the needs of K-12 students, public health or quality of life.
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Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement With Science
Increasing representation in science is seen as important for attracting more Hispanic people to science.
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Black Americans’ Views of and Engagement With Science
Black Americans hold multifaceted views when it comes to trust in medical research scientists: Majorities hold largely positive views of their competence, but express concern about the potential for misconduct.
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