Public and Scientists' Views on Science and Society

Scientific innovations are deeply embedded in national life--in the economy, in core policy choices about how people care for themselves and use the resources around them, and in the topmost reaches of Americans' imaginations. New Pew Research Center surveys of citizens and a representative sample of scientists connected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) show powerful crosscurrents that both recognize the achievements of scientists and expose stark fissures between scientists and citizens on a range of science, engineering, and technology issues. The survey of the general public was conducted by landline and cellular telephone August 15-25, 2014 with a representative sample of 2,002 adults nationwide. The survey of scientists is based on a representative sample of 3,748 U.S.-based members of AAAS; the survey was conducted online from Sept. 11 to Oct. 13, 2014. This report highlights these major findings: (1) Science holds an esteemed place among citizens and professionals. Americans recognize the accomplishments of scientists in key fields, and despite considerable dispute about the role of government in other realms, there is broad public support for government investment in scientific research; (2) Both the public and scientists are critical of the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM subjects) in grades K-12; (3) Despite broadly similar views about the overall place of science in America, citizens and scientists often see science-related issues through different sets of eyes. There are large differences in their views across a host of issues; and (5) Compared with five years ago, both citizens and scientists are less upbeat about the scientific enterprise. Citizens are still broadly positive about the place of U.S. scientific achievements and its impact on society, but slightly more are negative than five years ago. While a majority of scientists think it is a good time for science, they are less upbeat than they were five years ago. Most scientists believe that policy regulations on land use and clean air and water are not often guided by the best science. The following are appended: (1) About the General Public Survey; (2) About the AAAS Scientists Survey; (3) Topline General Public Survey; and (4) Topline AAAS Scientists Survey.