Poll Results On Attitudes Toward Scientists
A web survey by Scientific American which explores public attitudes toward science suggests that the public trusts scientists subject to certain exceptions.
This poll of Scientific American and Nature readers asked respondents to rank how much they trust various groups of people. Scientists came in at the top of other professions by a healthy lead. Respondents indicated more trust for scientists than family members, NGO’s and religious organizations.
In other animal-related major findings:
- More than 70% of respondents say that in difficult economic times, science funding should be spared.
- Nearly nine out of ten say that investment in basic science may not have immediate payoffs for the economy, but it lays the foundation for future growth.
- Slightly less than one-fourth (23%) of respondents do not approve of research on chimps under any circumstances.
- 12% do not approve of research on nonprimate mammals under any circumstances.