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