UK Public Is Largely Positive About Science
A MORI report for the government's Office of Science and Technology, Department for Trade and Industry on "Science in Society" was released today by Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, who called for greater engagement and dialogue to help the UK retain its position as the best place in the world for science.
The MORI research clearly shows a largely positive attitude among the UK public about science and perception of science issues.
The report, which examined public attitudes to science and scientists, found that over 80% of adults think science makes a good contribution to society and that science will make our lives easier. More than half (56%) of UK adults have taken part in a science-based activity in the last year, outside work.
There has been an increase in the level of trust in scientists in recent years. MORI research for the BMA shows an increase in trust in scientists to tell the truth, from 63% to 70% over the last five years (1).
However, only four in ten people feel informed about science. Eight out of ten are supportive of public consultation, and the public is keen for consultation to be followed by action on the outcomes.
The media can play a key role in informing and engaging people. Television and newspapers are the most commonly used method for people to find out about science, but seven out of ten people think the media sensationalises issues.
- Science in Society — pdf document, 1,194K
- Science in Society Topline Results — pdf document, 297K
- Science in Society computer tables – pdf document, 6,430K
- Science in Society SPSS data –zip file, 327kK
- Note: this file requires WinZip or 7Zip or similar software to unzip the file; and SPSS software to view the data.
Technical Details
MORI conducted the research programme in three phases: desk research, followed by eight discussion groups between 21 July and 29 July 2004, and quantitative research among a representative quota sample of 1,831 adults aged 16+ across the United Kingdom. Interviews for the quantitative stage were conducted face-to-face, in-home between 20 September - 21 November 2004, in 253 sample points (paired adjacent Output Areas) in Great Britain and 10 sample points in Northern Ireland. The sample includes booster interviews conducted among 417 people of BME origin. Results are weighted to the UK population profile.
Science-related activities, outside work, include: visiting a museum or science centre, a science festival, laboratory, zoo or planetarium, attending a public meeting on a science-related topic, participating in a science-related activity at a school / community centre, or going to a lecture / talk or meeting / debate on a science-related subject.
