This presentation reports on key findings from the National Science Board's biennial chapter on public attitudes and understanding about S&T as presented in Science and Engineering Indicators. Views presented are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NSB.

1. U.S. and Global Public Opinion on Science and
Technology Issues: Key Results from SEI 2016
John C. Besley
Associate Professor and Ellis N . Brandt Chair
College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Agenda:
1. SEI Background
2. SEI Process
3. Key Findings
4. Next Steps
Views are my own and not necessarily
those the National Science Foundation
or the National Science Board

2. 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”

3. 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 …

4. 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

5. 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

6. Section 1: Interest Most Americans say they
are ‘very’ or ‘moderately’
interested in “new scientific
discoveries”

7. Section 1: Interest

8. Section 1: Most common source
of specific science news

9. Section 2: Factual Knowledge Trends

10. Section 2: Factual Knowledge Comparisons

11. Section 2: Factual Knowledge Comparisons
Not included in scale used to track trends …
Presenting …
Dr. Peter Muhlberger
National Science Foundation

12. Section 3: General Attitudes, Better/Worse
SEI Moves
to GSS

13. Section 3: General Attitudes, Better/Worse
World Values Survey
(2010-2014)

14. Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding

15. Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding
More funding

16. Section 3: General Attitudes, Funding

17. Section 3: General Attitudes, Confidence

18. Section 4: Data comes from others …

19. 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 respect
Don’t forget: Views are my own and not necessarily
those the National Science Foundation
or the National Science Board