Authors

• Kiljunen, Pentti (Yhdyskuntatutkimus)

Keywords

immunization, institutions, mass media, research, science, scientific development, scientific progress, technology and innovation

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish public opinion on science and scientific-technical development. The study was commissioned by Tieteen tiedotus ry.

First, the respondents were asked how actively they followed news on various topics (e.g. culture and art, sports, environment, politics) in mass media. Interest in various topics related to science and research (e.g. scientific and medical development, environmental research, history and culture research, education sciences) was also charted. Additionally, the importance of various sources of information on science and scientific development was surveyed (e.g. newspapers, TV and radio, scientific publications, the Internet and social media, seminars and lectures). Next, the respondents were asked whether they can name one present-day and one former prominent Finnish scientist, as well as an invention or accomplishment of Finnish science.

Next, trust in various institutions was examined: the Parliament, the church, trade unions, the media, armed forces, universities, the European Union, main research funders etc. Views were probed on how well certain aspects of science (e.g. quality of research, level of technology and medicine, ethical issues, science funding, usefulness of science to society and everyday life) have been taken care of in Finland. The respondents were also asked whether they thought that science can solve certain problems or considerably help mankind (e.g. find a cure for cancer, raise the standard of living, stop or delay climate change, eradicate hunger from the world, decrease unemployment, promote peace and democracy).

The survey also carried various attitudinal statements on science and research. The statements covered, for instance, relationships between religion and science, animal testing, science funding, alternative medicine, scientific information in the media, co-operation between universities and businesses, use of scientific information in decision-making, impact of scientific and technological development, climate change, competition in science, artificial intelligence, and nutrition. Finally, the respondents' opinions on immunization were charted with questions relating to, for example, the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, the reliability of information given by authorities, and the right to choose or decline immunization for themselves or their children.

Background variables included, among others, gender, age, number of inhabitants in municipality of residence, NUTS3 region of residence, level and field of education, occupational status and political party preference.