Study title

Finnish Science Barometer 2007

Dataset ID Number

FSD2294

Persistent identifier

urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD2294

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.

The 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). The importance of various information sources on science and scientific development were evaluated. The respondents were asked to name one present-day and one former prominent Finnish scientist, as well as an invention or accomplishment of Finnish science. The survey charted trust in various 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 (e.g. scientific independence, ethical issues, science funding, usefulness of science to everyday life) have been taken care of in Finland. The 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 the 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; ethics of science; institutions; mass media; research; science; scientific development; 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

2007

Collection Dates

2007-05-03 – 2007-07-06

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 3,000.

There were two data collection rounds, in other words there was one follow-up mailing. Data collection yielded 1,078 analysable responses.

Collection Mode

Self-administered questionnaire: Paper

Research Instrument

Structured questionnaire

Response Rate

35.9

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: English and Finnish.

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

Number of Cases and Variables

141 variables and 1078 cases.

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.

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 2007 [dataset]. Version 1.0 (2007-12-10). Finnish Social Science Data Archive [distributor]. https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD2294

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 2007. Tutkimus suomalaisten suhtautumisesta tieteeseen ja tieteellis-tekniseen kehitykseen (2007). Helsinki: Tieteen tiedotus ry. http://www.yhdyskuntatutkimus.fi/tb3/tiedebaro3.htm [viitattu 23.2.2024]

Finnish Science Barometer 2007. A study of the Finns' attitudes towards science and their opinions on scientific and technological progress. Helsinki: Finnish Society for Scientific Information. http://www.yhdyskuntatutkimus.fi/tb3/english3.htm [cited 5.9.2023]