Public Attitudes to Science 2014, a survey on UK perception of science

The report Public Attitudes to Science 2014, was released last March, an analysis that examines the perceptions of the British public about science, scientists and engineers. The survey was carried out from 15 July to 18 November 2013 and the methodology consisted on face-to-face interviews to 1.749 UK people aged 16+.

UK people were asked about how they see science, findings about science, public involvement of science, trust and confidence in science, trust in media reporting and their perception of scientists and engineers. They were also inquired about food security, climate change, robots, energy technology…

One of the conclusions of the survey shows that UK public is eager about science. They are more likely to see the benefits of science and less likely to see a conflict between science and faith.

Among other issues, on the subject of the trust in media reporting:  59% say that television is one of their regular sources of science information and 55% make negative assumptions about the journalists who write science stories.

The study was conducted by Ipsos MORI Company in partnership with British Science Association, on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Economic and Social Research Council.

More information:

• Progress in science communication but problems remain, by David Horne in Lost Worlds, April 7 2014
• Public Attitudes to Science 2014, full report.

Este blog cuenta con la colaboración de la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología – Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación