aaas 2016: key findings from nsb science and engineering indicators 2016, chapter 7
TRANSCRIPT
U.S. and Global Public Opinion on Science and Technology Issues: Key Results from SEI 2016
John C. BesleyAssociate Professor and Ellis N . Brandt ChairCollege of Communication Arts and Sciences
Agenda: 1. SEI Background2. SEI Process3. Key Findings4. Next Steps
Views are my own and not necessarily those the National Science Foundation
or the National Science Board
A bit of background
• Every two years• By the U.S. National Science Foundation
(NSF)/National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) on behalf of the National Science Board (NSB)
• Sent to Congress and the White House• Chapter 7 focuses on public opinion• 2016 is the first year where it’s “online first”
A bit (more) background(with a focus on chapter 7) …
• U.S. and international data summaries• New U.S. data collected through
General Social Survey (GSS) since 2006• F2F survey from the
University of Chicago• Prior Indicators used various
other survey organizations until 2004• Current study based on 2014 data• Other sources (Gallup, Pew)
also cited where appropriate• 4 main sections• n = ~1,500-2,200
This is the benchmark study for those who are interested in the topic …
A bit (more) background(with a focus on chapter 7) …
• U.S. and international data summaries• New U.S. data collected through
General Social Survey (GSS) since 2006• F2F survey from the
University of Chicago• Prior Indicators used
various other surveys• Other sources (Gallup, Pew)
also cited where appropriate• 4 main sections
Four main sections
The process …
• Two year cycle• SRI International responsible
for all graphics/statistical analysis in collaboration with lead author (me)
Summer ‘14 Fall ‘14 Winter ‘15 Spring ‘15 Summer ‘15 Fall ‘15
Survey questions finalized
Initial writing/
data seek
NSB approval
of chapter outline
Internal Review of
chapter
External Review of
chapter
NSB approval
of chapter draft
Agency Review
NSB approval
of chapter
Winter ‘16
White House
Approval Release
Revisions, Revisions, Revisions
Revisions Revisions Revisions
Section 1: Interest Most Americans say they are ‘very’ or ‘moderately’ interested in “new scientific discoveries”
Section 1: Interest
Section 1: Most common source of specific science news
Section 2: Factual Knowledge Trends
Section 2: Factual Knowledge Comparisons
Section 2: Factual Knowledge Comparisons
Not included in scale used to track trends …
Presenting … Dr. Peter MuhlbergerNational Science Foundation
Section 3: General Attitudes, Better/Worse
SEI Moves to GSS
Section 3: General Attitudes, Better/Worse
World Values Survey (2010-2014)
Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding
Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding
More funding
Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding
Section 3: General Attitudes, Confidence
Section 4: Data comes from others …
Conclusions?• Wish we had more international data• But, Americans …
• … are somewhat interested in science• … know a bit about science• … think science is pretty great
(they like scientists too)
Editorial Comment:We are quite fortunate as a group in society.
We need to continue to earn that respectDon’t forget: Views are my own and not necessarily
those the National Science Foundation or the National Science Board