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Public Attitudes to Science 2008

In 2007 RCUK, with funding from DIUS, commissioned 'Public Attitudes to Science 2008' to build on previous surveys commissioned by the Office of Science and Technology (OST). These were conducted in 2005 and 2000.

The 2008 survey's fieldwork took place in 2007, and was taken forward by TNS and PSP (People, Science & Policy). In addition to an survey of over 2000 people, the research looked in depth at the attitudes of younger people and BME groups, and also examined attitudes to social science for the first time.

Two reports were published in March 2008, as part of National Science and Engineering Week. The first, shorter, report is a Guide intended to present key findings and be used by policy makers and science communication and public engagement professionals. A more detailed report is also available for those who want to delve into the results in greater detail. Both can be accessed at www.rcuk.ac.uk.

Ian Pearson's speech at the launch of the research

Key Findings

Where possible changes from 2005 or 2000 have been highlighted but comparable data is not always available.

Attitudes to science

Overall, attitudes to science are positive and interest in science has increased since 2000. More people agree:

  • 'I am amazed by the achievements of science' up to 82% from 75% in 2000
  • 'Science is such a big part of our lives we should all take an interest' up to 79% from 74% in 2000 The main drivers of the public's attitude to science were the extent to which they:
  • appreciated the benefits and/or importance of science
  • understood science
  • were concerned about the control and direction of science

Concern about science

Confidence in science has grown since 2005.

  • 25% of the public agreed that "the more I know about science the more worried I am", down from 35% in 2005.

Trust in scientists and engineers

Trust in scientists is influenced by their experience, academic credentials and independence from Government and business.

Confusion

Some people remain confused about science and conflicting information leads some to disengage with science and others to become suspicious and lose trust in scientists.

  • Science and technology is too specialised for most people to understand it, down to 56% from 66% in 2000
  • I am not clever enough to understand science and technology, 35%, down from 38% in 2000
  • I cannot follow developments in science and technology because the speed of development is too fast 42%, no change
  • I don't understand the point of all the science being done today 27%, no change

Communication

The proportion of people who say they are very or fairly well informed about science and scientific developments has increased significantly since 2005, rising from 39% to 56% of adults.

TV remains the most common way of finding out about science, although use of the Internet has grown and this has empowered people to feel confident about finding information when they need it.

Consultation

There is demand for more public consultation on scientific issues:

  • Only 21% of the public agree that 'the public is sufficiently involved in decisions about science and technology' There is also significant demand for more information direct from researchers:
  • 78% of the public agree that 'we ought to hear about potential new areas of science and technology before they happen, not afterwards'
  • 73% 'would like more scientists to discuss research and its social and ethical implications with the general public'

Regulation

Confidence in regulation has increased, although knowledge of how science and engineering is regulated in poor and the public tend to think that scientists and engineers and their professional bodies should have a role in regulation.

  • 21% of the public think that 'science is getting out of control and there is nothing we can do to stop it', down from 35% in 2000
  • 35% of the public agreed that the speed of development in science and technology means that it cannot be properly controlled by Government', down from 48% in 2005
  • 53% of the public have a great deal or a fair amount of confidence in the regulation of science, similar to 2005
  • 57% of the public have a great deal or a fair amount of confidence in the regulation of engineering
  • Nearly everyone agreed that 'those who regulate science need to communicate with the public'

Younger people

The importance of young people having a grasp on science is almost universally recognised.

  • Younger people appear more comfortable with the speed of scientific development and the complexity of science.
  • Younger people tend to rate their science education more highly in comparison to other subjects than those aged 25 and over people; nevertheless, younger people are less likely to view a career in science or engineering as a good choice