Americans Don’t Know Much About Science And Economics But Scientists Get A Higher Approval Rating Than Politicians
Less than half of American adults understand that the Earth orbits the sun yearly, according to a basic science survey. Despite flubbing such questions, there is enthusiasm for research - except in some fields such as genetic engineering and nuclear power that are viewed with suspicion.
Only about 25 percent of American adults got passing grades in a survey by the National Science Foundation of what people know about basic science and economics. Even fewer of those surveyed felt they were well-informed about the technical subjects.
The worst showing came when those surveyed were asked to define scientific terms. Only about 9 percent knew what a molecule was, and only 21 percent could define DNA.
But even more fundamental questions stumped many: Less than half knew that the Earth orbits the sun annually.
In a test of environmental understanding, a third of Americans surveyed understood the effects of a thinning of the ozone layer, 14 percent could identify locations of ozone holes and only 5 percent could give a scientific explanation of acid rain.
Even money questions stumped most Americans. A 10-point quiz on economics showed that only 22 percent could correctly answer seven or more of the questions.
“Only 10 percent feel very well informed about science and technology, and studies show that only a small segment of the population has a strong grasp of basic scientific ideas,” according to a report, released Thursday by the foundation.
On a 10-part quiz testing scientific understanding, only 27 percent of the American adults surveyed could answer seven or more questions.
The national survey of 2,006 adults found that 72 percent believe science research is worthwhile. Only 13 percent took the opposite view.
Among college graduates, 90 percent thought the benefits of research outweighed the risks, while only 48 percent of those who did not complete high school felt that way.
The survey, however, found many Americans fearful of some aspects of science. Support for nuclear power was about evenly split, with 43 percent saying its benefits were greater than its risks, and 42 percent taking an opposite view. Fourteen percent were uncertain.
Genetic engineering fared only slightly better. Forty-three percent saw it as beneficial, but 35 percent said its dangers outweigh the benefits. About 20 percent were undecided.
Medical discoveries were rated as the most interesting of science topics by 69 percent of those who took the survey. Space exploration scored the lowest - just 25 percent.
Despite some mixed feelings about science, Americans respect scientists and doctors more than many other professionals.
About 40 percent of those surveyed expressed high confidence in scientists and medical workers. The rating was only 25 percent for leaders in education, religion and corporations. Only 10 percent expressed similar confidence in Congress, the executive branch of the federal government, the press and television.
xxxx QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SCIENCE The quiz given by researchers from the National Science Foundation to determine how much American adults know about basic science issues. Answers are at the end, along with the percentage in the survey who answered correctly.
1.The center of the Earth is very hot. (True or False) 2.The oxygen we breathe comes from plants. (True or False) 3.Electrons are smaller than atoms. (True or False) 4.The continents on which we live have been moving their location for millions of years and will continue to move in the future. (True or False) 5.Humans beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals. (True or False) 6.The earliest human beings lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. (True or False) 7.Which travels faster: light or sound? 8.How long does it take for the Earth to go around the sun: one day, one month, or one year? 9.Tell me, in your own words, what is DNA? 10.Tell me, in your own words, what is a molecule?
Answers, along with the percentage who had correct responses: 1.True. 78 percent. 2.True. 85 percent. 3.True. 44 percent. 4.True. 79 percent. 5.True. 44 percent. 6.False. 48 percent. 7.Light. 75 percent. 8.One year. 47 percent. 9.DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a large molecule in the chromosomes that contains the genetic information for each cell. 21 percent. 10.Molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound capable of existing independently while retaining properties of the original substance. 9 percent. Associated Press