Pew Study: Public Respects Contribution of Science to Society

A new study of public opinion finds that Americans overwhelmingly respect and support science.  84% of the public believes that science has a "mostly positive" effect on society.  Asked who contributes a lot to society's well being, members of the public name this top five: members of the military (84%), teachers (77%), scientists (70%), medical doctors (69%), and engineers (64%).  Even among those who believe in creationism, 63% believe scientists contribute a lot to society.  While debates over evolution, stem cells, and climate change may dominate headlines, most Americans recognize the overall value of science.  Now we just need to convince them that their own children can be part of that scientific community!

Pew Research Center for People & the Press