Science and Engineering Indicators - Public Attitudes

AUG 23, 1996

Public support of federal programs is important in maintaining or increasing levels of funding. The National Science Board report, “Science & Engineering Indicators 1996,” contains statistics about public support of science. Note that survey respondents were given various choices for their answers, which are not all shown in the interest of space. Among the findings, taken from several surveys, are:

“Public Attentiveness”

Based on a series of questions, the percent of respondents classified as “attentive public” or “interested public” on “science and technology” issues was: in 1979, 46%; 1981, 47%; 1985, 56%; 1990, 51%; 1995, 57%.

“Public Confidence in the People Running Various Institutions”

The percent of respondents saying they had “a great deal of confidence” in the scientific community was: in 1973, 37%; 1983, 41%; 1993, 37%. For the 13 institutions studied, the comparable average responses were: 30%, 24%, 22%.

“Attitudes Toward Organized Science”

The percent of all adult respondents saying that “science and technology are making our lives healthier, easier, and more comfortable,” was: in 1983, 84%; 1985, 86%; 1988, 87%; 1990, 84%; 1992, 85%; 1995, 86%.

The percent of all adult respondents saying “the benefits of science are greater than any harmful effects,” was: in 1983, 57%; 1985, 68%; 1988, 76%; 1990, 72%; 1992, 73%; 1995, 72%.

“Public Assessments” of Scientific Research, Nuclear Power, Space Exploration

The percent of all adult respondents saying scientific research “benefits strongly outweigh risks,” was: in: 1979, 46%; 1981, 42%; 1985, 44%; 1988, 57%; 1990, 47%; 1992, 42%; 1995, 43%.

The percent of all adult respondents saying nuclear power “benefits strongly outweigh risks,” was: in 1985, 28%; 1988, 18%; 1990, 24%; 1992, 17%; 1995, 21%.

The percent of all adult respondents saying space exploration “benefits strongly outweigh costs,” was: in 1985, 27%; 1988, 22%; 1990, 18%; 1992, 17%; 1995, 22%.

See FYIs #125 and 126 for other data and GPO ordering information.