2018 Digest

Americans overwhelmingly believe that science creates more opportunities for the next generation, that its benefits outweigh risks, and that the federal government should provide funds for scientific research. A substantial percentage also think science makes life change too fast.

Americans have a positive view of scientists. The clear majority of respondents agree or strongly agree that scientists work for the good of humanity, help to solve problems, and want to make life better for the average person. These views have remained mostly unchanged since 2001.

Americans’ knowledge of basic scientific facts remains incomplete but appears to be generally stable over the past 2 decades, as measured by a set of nine knowledge items that respondents answered over several decades. In recent years, however, the scores have fluctuated within a relatively narrow range.

Attitudes toward and knowledge of science are influenced by level of education. Perceived benefits of science for future generations and favorability toward federal support for science are shared by the bulk of respondents at all education levels. However, interest in new scientific discoveries and confidence in scientific leaders are higher among those with more advanced education.

A considerable proportion (43% to 79%) of Americans think that specific health and environmental issues are “extremely” or “very” dangerous, and these percentages are higher than they have been since the early 1990s. Over half believe that climate change and nuclear power stations pose such danger, along with 43% who believe similarly regarding modifying the genes of certain crops. Water and air pollution are the environmental issues that most concern Americans.