Test your knowledge of science facts and applications of scientific principles by taking our 11-question quiz, then compare your answers to the average American and across demographic groups.
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.
About half of whites correctly answered at least nine of 11 science-related questions, compared with much smaller shares of Hispanics and blacks.
Test your ability to classify 10 news statements as either factual or opinion.
The politically aware, digitally savvy and those more trusting of the news media fare better in differentiating factual statements from opinions.
U.S. adults are mostly against government action that could limit people’s ability to access and publish information online. There is more support for steps by technology companies.
The Pew Research Center reflects on a tumultuous and memorable year
America’s confidence in the scientific community appears to be relatively strong. But the degree of public trust in scientists across climate, food and medical issues varies, and many express moderate rather than strongly positive views.
Experts are split on whether the coming years will see less misinformation online. Those who foresee improvement hope for technological and societal solutions. Others say bad actors using technology can exploit human vulnerabilities.
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.
