However, lack of knowledge, where it exists, does not prevent British people from holding opinions on subjects like climate change, biotechnology and the alleged risks of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Strong views are also held on their Government's response to such questions.
Research, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University is examining the relationship between science, the public and the media by combining the results of the knowledge and opinion survey with a detailed media analysis of television, newspaper, radio and magazine content.
The survey asked more than 1,000 people what they thought and knew about three topical areas of science: climate change; the MMR vaccine; and human and animal biotechnology. They were also asked how much they trust scientists and the media.
- Out of 12 scientific questions, on average the public answered 4.42 correctly. Those with scientific educational qualifications did better (5.26), as did those with a degree in any subject (5.85). Likewise, although broadsheet newspaper readers scored higher (5.78) than tabloid readers (4.13), the difference was less marked than might be thought.
- Those who watch television news very regularly scored a little higher than less frequent viewers. While 15 per cent now cite the internet as one of their main sources of news about science, television (81 per cent) and newspapers (57 per cent) remain dominant.
MMR vaccine. The public has a higher knowledge of the political than the scientific aspects of the matter. Most correctly understood British Prime Minister Tony Blair's response to questions about the vaccination of h
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Contact: WeltchA@cardiff.ac.uk
WeltchA@cardiff.ac.uk
Cardiff University
17-Sep-2002