American Views of Science & Technology

A survey commissioned by the National Science & Technology Medal Foundation, conducted by the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research,  sponsored by the 3M Corporation and the Procter & Gamble Company.

Americans want their country to stand at the forefront of scientific and technological advance as it enters the new century. They expect that new developments in science and technology will have a read and positive impact both on our national life and on the everyday lives of citizens.

While they do not believe science is entirely without risk, they are personally interest in matters scientific, and are supportive of public policy that will build on what we have achieved and maintained to better the standing of the United States compared to other developed countries. (Figure 1)

Figure 1: American Attitudes toward S&T

 

The public wants science and technology to occupy a key place on the national agenda. Almost seven in eight (84%) agree that "it is important that the United States be the world leader in technological progress."

When asked to compare where they now see the U.S. compared to other advanced industrial societies, and what is the lease they would accept looking twenty years down the road, some 85% will accept no less than our current standing.  More than half (53%) insist that the United States either be a world leader or at minimum occupy a higher position that at present. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Public View of Federal Role in Research

 

Americans know this will require effort. Eight in ten (81%) agree that encouraging our brightest young people to go into science should be a top national priority. Another strong majority (85%) agree that "unless we put more emphasis on science in the schools, we won't have the trained people we need for life in the 21st century." (Figures 3a & b)

Figure 3a: Encouraging Young People into Science & Technology

Figure 3b: More Emphasis in Schools

There is a strong sense that, as a society, we do not sufficiently honor those who make scientific and technological discoveries. Three in four felt that they get too little recognition (and only a handful thought they received too much). This compares with what the public sees as an appropriate level of recognition for those who succeed in business. By contrast, almost nine in ten think entertainers and sports stars receive too much attention. Figure 4

Figure 4: Recognition of Science, Business, and Entertainment

This comprehensive study indicates that support for scientific and technological advancement is widespread. Americans believe that - despite potential drawbacks - new discoveries will have a positive impact both on their own day-to-day lives and more broadly on our society as a whole.

©1996, Reprinted by permission from the Roper Center for Public Opinion by G. Donald Ferree, Jr. For full text of article see The Public Perspective, October/November 1996.

Some 1000 respondents were interviewed by telephone using standard "random digit dialing" techniques between May 31st and June 14th, inclusive. The study has a "margin of error" of approximately plus or minus three and one-half percent. A complete copy of the survey with data material can be obtained from the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation, 1818 N St., N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.

Special thanks to Edwin L. Behrens of Procter & Gamble and Henry G. Owen of 3M.