Amid coronavirus threat, Americans generally have a high level of trust in medical doctors
In 2019, 74% of Americans said they had a mostly positive view of doctors; 68% had a mostly favorable view of medical research scientists.
Cary Funk
Publications
Key findings about Americans’ confidence in science and their views on scientists’ role in society
Here is a roundup of key takeaways from our studies of U.S. public opinion about science issues and their effect on society.
More Americans now see ‘very high’ preventive health benefits from measles vaccine
As in 2016, 88% of U.S. adults say its benefits outweigh the risks. And the share who consider its preventive benefits to be “very high” rose by 11 points to 56%.
U.S. Public Views on Climate and Energy
A majority of U.S. adults say they are taking at least some specific action in their daily lives to protect the environment, though Democrats and Republicans remain at ideological odds over the causes of climate change and the effects of policies to address it.
Democrats more supportive than Republicans of federal spending for scientific research
Around six-in-ten Democrats support increased spending for scientific research, compared with 40% of Republicans, a gap that has grown over time.
Most Americans say science has brought benefits to society and expect more to come
A strong majority of the American public thinks of science as having a positive effect on society, and most expect continued benefits to accrue from science in the years ahead.
Most Americans have positive image of research scientists, but fewer see them as good communicators
About nine-in-ten Americans see research scientists as intelligent, while a smaller majority describe them as good communicators.
Democrats and Republicans differ over role and value of scientists in policy debates
Most Democrats think scientists should take an active role in policy debates, while 56% of Republicans say they should focus on establishing sound scientific facts.
5 key findings about public trust in scientists in the U.S.
Americans have broadly positive views of scientists and their work but are more tepid when it comes to trusting their competence, credibility and concern for the public interest.
Trust and Mistrust in Americans’ Views of Scientific Experts
Public confidence in scientists is on the upswing, and six-in-ten Americans say scientists should play an active role in policy debates about scientific issues, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
