Science vs. the Public
Jan 29, 2015 17:25:54 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2015 17:25:54 GMT -5
A newly published survey shows a significant opinion gap between professional scientists and the wider American public on issues in science ranging from climate change to genetically modified foods.
The biggest disconnect had to do with genetically modified foods, where there was a gap of 51 percentage points. Eighty-eight percent of the scientists said it's safe to eat such foods, compared with 37 percent of the wider-ranging sample.
Other opinion gaps focused on these hot-button issues:
- Should animals be used in research? 89 percent of the scientists said yes, as opposed to 47 percent of the public.
- Is climate change caused mostly by human activity? 87 percent yes from the scientists, 50 percent yes from the public.
- Is it safe to eat foods grown with pesticides? 68 percent of the scientists agreed, compared with 28 percent of the public.
- Have humans evolved over time? 98 percent yes from the scientists, 65 percent yes from the public.
- Should more offshore oil drilling be allowed? 32 percent yes from the scientists, 52 percent yes from the public.
- Should more nuclear power plants be built? 65 percent yes from the scientists, 45 percent yes from the public.
- Should parents be allowed to decide not to have their children vaccinated? 13 percent yes from the scientists, 30 percent yes from the public.
source: www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/survey-shows-scientists-public-odds-over-climate-gmos-more-n296231
The biggest disconnect had to do with genetically modified foods, where there was a gap of 51 percentage points. Eighty-eight percent of the scientists said it's safe to eat such foods, compared with 37 percent of the wider-ranging sample.
Other opinion gaps focused on these hot-button issues:
- Should animals be used in research? 89 percent of the scientists said yes, as opposed to 47 percent of the public.
- Is climate change caused mostly by human activity? 87 percent yes from the scientists, 50 percent yes from the public.
- Is it safe to eat foods grown with pesticides? 68 percent of the scientists agreed, compared with 28 percent of the public.
- Have humans evolved over time? 98 percent yes from the scientists, 65 percent yes from the public.
- Should more offshore oil drilling be allowed? 32 percent yes from the scientists, 52 percent yes from the public.
- Should more nuclear power plants be built? 65 percent yes from the scientists, 45 percent yes from the public.
- Should parents be allowed to decide not to have their children vaccinated? 13 percent yes from the scientists, 30 percent yes from the public.
source: www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/survey-shows-scientists-public-odds-over-climate-gmos-more-n296231
