In Science We Trust: Poll Results On How You Feel About Science
This web survey of “Scientific American” and “Nature” readers found that the readership, which is 19% comprised of PhDs, trusts scientists, but attitudes vary depending on topic and geography. Minorities of respondents say they do not approve of research on both non-primates and chimps, specifically.
When asked to rank how much each respondent trusted various groups of people, their answers identified scientists as the most trusted group by a large margin. When asked if scientists should pay attention to the wishes of the public even if they think citizens are mistaken or do not understand their work, 31% of respondents worldwide agreed, including 26% of U.S., 65% of Chinese, and 25% of German respondents.
Specifically related to animal research, 12% of respondents said they do not approve of research on non-primate mammals under any circumstance, while 23% found it unacceptable on chimps under any circumstances.