Generally, higher-income adults and college degree earners are more likely than others to favor greater availability, and African-Americans are significantly less supportive of the idea.
At the AAAS 2015 Annual Meeting, Lee Rainie discussed new findings from a representative survey of 3,748 scientists connected to the AAAS about their views about the state of science in America and, particularly, how scientists use a variety of methods to bring their work to the general public.
Most scientists (87%) believe it is important to participate in public policy debates. Almost half use social media to discuss or follow science, and nearly a quarter blog about science and research.
Different demographic groups think differently about scientific issues. For example, those more likely to think genetically modified food is unsafe include women, African-Americans and Hispanics, and those without college degrees.
NASA continues to be very popular among the public, with four times as many Americans holding a favorable view of the space agency as unfavorable (68% vs. 17%).
A majority of Americans think children should be required to get vaccinated. Young adults more likely to say vaccinating kids should be a parental choice.
Both the American public and scientists value the contributions of science, but there are large differences in how each perceives science-related issues.
While we have explored science-related issues in the past, our new science publication marks a more formal commitment to studying the intersection of science with all aspects of society – from public opinion, to politics and policymaking, to religious and ethical considerations, to education and the economy.
Scientific innovation and discovery touches all aspects of American life, from medical care to the food we eat and the technologies we rely on in our daily activities. Here are five takeaways from our new report, drawing on surveys of both scientists and the general public.
Scientists and their work have an important place in every major aspect of American life. Many hope that advances in science will improve people's lives and enhance the economy.
