Study title

Finnish Science Barometer 2004

Dataset ID Number

FSD2023

Persistent identifiers

https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD2023
https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd2023

Data Type

Quantitative

Authors

• Kiljunen, Pentti (Yhdyskuntatutkimus)

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish public opinion and expectations on scientific information, ethics of science, the advantages and disadvantages of scientific and technological development, and various other aspects of science and research.

Respondents rated their interest in following certain subjects in the media (e.g. culture and arts, sports, economy, politics), and interest in scientific and research issues (e.g. science generally, medicine, information technology, space research). Importance of various information sources on science and scientific development were evaluated. Respondents were asked to name one present-day and one former prominent Finnish scientist. The survey charted trust in institutions: Parliament, the Church, trade unions, the media, armed forces, universities, the European Union etc. Views were probed on how well certain aspects of science have been taken care of in Finland like, for example, scientific independence, ethical issues, science funding, usefulness of science to everyday life. Respondents were asked whether science can solve certain problems or help mankind (e.g. find a cure for AIDS or cancer, raise the standard of living, eradicate hunger from the world, promote peace).

The survey carried a set of attitudinal statements on science and research. Statements covered, for example, brain drain and brain gain, scientific information in the media, alternative medicine, relationship between science and religion, vivisection, genetic engineering, use of scientific information in decision-making, science funding and its allocation, science policy, impact of scientific and technological development, climate change, and ethical issues.

Background variables included respondent's gender, age group, size of the municipality of residence, region of residence, basic and vocational education, field of study, and occupational group.

Keywords

attitudes; ethics; mass media; research; science; scientific development; scientific ethics; scientific progress; scientists

Topic Classification

• Social sciences (Fields of Science Classification)
• Biotechnology (CESSDA Topic Classification)
• Educational policy (CESSDA Topic Classification)
• Information technology (CESSDA Topic Classification)

Series

Finnish Science Barometers

Distributor

Finnish Social Science Data Archive

Access

The dataset is (B) available for research, teaching and study.

Data Collector

• Yhdyskuntatutkimus

Data Producers

• Tieteen tiedotus ry

Time Period Covered

2004

Collection Dates

2004-04-21 – 2004-06-30

Nation

Finland

Geographical Coverage

Finland

Analysis/Observation Unit Type

Individual

Universe

People aged 18-70 living in Finland (excluding the Åland Islands)

Time Method

Longitudinal: Trend/Repeated cross-section

Sampling Procedure

Probability: Simple random

A random sample drawn from Finland's population register. Sample size 2500.

There was one follow-up mailing. Data collection yielded 1054 analysable responses.

Collection Mode

Self-administered questionnaire: Paper

Research Instrument

Structured questionnaire

Response Rate

42.2

Data File Language

Downloaded data package may contain different language versions of the same files.

The data files of this dataset are available in the following languages: Finnish.

FSD translates quantitative data into English on request, free of charge. More information on ordering data translation.

Data Version

1.0

Completeness of Data and Restrictions

The sample is representative enough in terms of demographic, social and regional factors. Women and persons with higher education were slightly overrepresented.

Responses to open-ended questions 4a and 4b are not included in the data.

Weighting

There are no weight variables in the data.

Citation Requirement

The data and its creators shall be cited in all publications and presentations for which the data have been used. The bibliographic citation may be in the form suggested by the archive or in the form required by the publication.

Bibliographical Citation

Kiljunen, Pentti (Yhdyskuntatutkimus): Finnish Science Barometer 2004 [dataset]. Version 1.0 (2004-11-01). Finnish Social Science Data Archive [distributor]. https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD2023

Deposit Requirement

Notify FSD of all publications where you have used the data by sending the citation information to user-services.fsd@tuni.fi.

Disclaimer

The original data creators and the archive bear no responsibility for any results or interpretations arising from the reuse of the data.

Related Publications

Tiedebarometri 2004. Tutkimus suomalaisten suhtautumisesta tieteeseen ja tieteellis-tekniseen kehitykseen (2004). Helsinki: Tieteen tiedotus ry.

Ervasti, Heikki (2006). Suomalaisten yliluonnolliset uskomukset. Yhteiskuntapolitiikka 71(3), 259-269.

Coll, Richard K. & Taylor, Neil & Lay, Mark C. (2009). Scientists' Habits of Mind as Evidenced by the Interaction Between their Science Training and Religious Beliefs. International Journal of Science Education Vol. 31, No 6, 725-755.

Finnish Science Barometer 2004. Helsinki: Tieteen tiedotus ry. Finnish Society for Scientific Information. http://www.yhdyskuntatutkimus.fi/tb2/english.htm [cited 5.9.2023]