2009-07-08-皮尤-Public_Praises_Science_Scientists_Fault_Public,_Media_100页_351kb

Summary of Pew Report: Public and Scientists Views on Science

# Summary of Pew Report: Public and Scientists Views on Science

## Key Findings Overview
- **Public admiration** for scientists (70% see significant contribution to society) contrasts with their less positive view of U.S. scientific achievement (17% rate as best globally).
- **Scientific achievement ratings** see a more modest international comparison.
- **Funding concerns** stand out as a major obstacle for scientists, alongside visa issues for foreign researchers.
- On key **controversial issues** like evolution and climate change, there is near-total scientific consensus but significant public disagreement; Democrats are more accepting of evolution and climate change than Republicans.
- Public and scientists agree on **government funding importance**, with both seeing long-term benefits despite partisan differences.
- **Science communication** is viewed critically by scientists, with limited public knowledge and media oversimplification being major problems.

## Views on the State of Science
The public rates science and scientists highly, especially teachers and military personnel. Scientists feel that the public's lack of scientific
knowledge and media misrepresentation are serious hindrances. U.S. scientific achievements are viewed more favorably by scientists, with nearly half seeing them as the best in the world.

## Disagreements on Specific Issues
- A notable disconnect exists on **controversial topics** such as stem cell research, evolution, climate change, and animal testing.
- Scientists and the public differ significantly on **U.S. scientific leadership**, **funding priorities**, and **government influence** on science.

## Education and Science Knowledge
Public knowledge shows understanding of health-related topics but struggles with complex issues. Democrats and college graduates performed better on the 12-item science literacy test. Public **science knowledge scores** increase with age up to middle age, then decline among the elderly.

## Science Funding
Although scientists rate funding as crucial, they are divided on allocation priorities. While government sources are the leading funders, industry and foundations play important roles in some specialties.

## Science and Society
There’s broad agreement that science benefits society, with both groups emphasizing medical advances. Scientists are more politically liberal than the public, yet younger scientists express less ideological
partisanship.

## Communication Between Scientists and the Public
Scientists believe the public lacks **basic scientific understanding**, media frequently **oversimplifies complex topics**, and few **town hall meetings** provide genuine dialogue. Despite frustrations, most scientists say their work is mostly helpful for society.