Authors

• Kiljunen, Pentti (Yhdyskuntatutkimus)

Keywords

attitudes, beliefs, development, information sources, mass media use, research, research work, science, scientific development, scientific progress, scientific research, scientists

Abstract

The survey monitored various aspects of the production, level, necessity and conditions of scientific information. It also canvassed the advantages and risks of techno-scientific progress as well as the ethics of science. The data reflects citizens' conceptions of science, and, to some extent, also their knowledge. Their opinions, assessments, values, attitudes, and future expectations were mapped.

The respondents were asked how actively they follow the news, programmes and articles in the different media on various topics. It was separately asked how interested the respondents were in environmental research, medical research, space research, historical research, and education and science policy. It was also asked which sources of information the respondents considered primary in science and research related matters. The respondents were asked to name one present-day and one historically significant Finnish scientist. They also estimated how much they trusted various social institutions, what the status of various matters related to science and research was, and whether they thought science could solve different problems and improve people's lives.

Finally, the respondents were presented with several statements concerning science and research. The statements dealt with beliefs, the efficiency of science, relation between science and religion, vivisection, gene technology, technical progress, allocation of research funds, use of scientific information in political decision-making, UFO sightings, nuclear power, and the responsibility of the scientific community. Background variables included respondent's sex, age group, size of the place of residence, county of residence, basic and vocational training, and occupational group.