Science vs Religion: Big Bang Theory, GM Foods - How Do Americans View Science On Issues? - Survey

The general public and scientists have differing perspectives on science-related issues such as genetically modified, or GM, food while citizens have mixed perceptions on the level of scientific consensus on topics like the "Big Bang," a study released on Friday by the Pew Research Center showed.

The study, based on surveys of citizens and a representative sample of scientists, said citizens and scientists have contrasting views even if the former appreciates the contributions of latter.

"Science holds an esteemed place among citizens and professionals. Americans recognize the accomplishments of scientists in key fields and, despite considerable dispute about the role of government in other realms, there is broad public support for government investment in scientific research," the Center said.

"Despite broadly similar views about the overall place of science in America, citizens and scientists often see science-related issues through different sets of eyes. There are large differences in their views across a host of issues," the Center added.

Majority of the public (57 percent) think GM foods are generally unsafe to eat, while 37 percent say these foods are safe. On the other hand, 88 percent of scientists belonging to the American Association for the Advancement of Science say GM foods are safe.

"The gap between citizens and scientists in seeing GM foods as safe is 51 percentage points. This is the largest opinion difference between the public and scientists," the Center noted.

Only 47 percent of the public approve of the use of animals in scientific research, 50 percent of them oppose such. On the other hand, 89 percent of scientists favor animal research.

On allowing more offshore drilling, 52 percent of citizens are in favor of such while only 32 percent of the scientists have the same opinion.

Forty-five percent of citizens favor building more nuclear power plants, 20 percentage points lower than the number of scientists who agree on the same issue.

On the space station, 64 percent of the public and 68 percent of scientists agree that the station has been a good investment for the country, a close gap of just four percentage points.

Citizens have differing views about the degree of scientific consensus on the "three hot-button science topics." One of these is the "Big Bang" theory, which saw 52 percent of the scientists generally divided on the issue.

Majority of adults think scientists generally agree that the earth is getting warmer due to human activity (57 percent) or that humans have evolved over time (66 percent).

Despite differences in opinion, both citizens and scientists give high marks to the country's scientific achievements, with 54 percent and 92 percent of adults and scientists, respectively, describing such achievements as "best in world/above average."

Half of Americans (51 percent) and 64 percent of the scientists see the country's medical treatment as best.

Both groups also give lower marks to the K-12 education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (known as STEM), with only 29 percent and 16 percent of adults and scientists rating the system as best.

On U.S. scientific achievements, 54 percent of adults consider them as either the best in the world or above average compared with other industrial countries, down by 11 points from 2009.

Although the public still see the effects of science on society in a positive light, with 79 percent saying science has made life easier for most and only 15 percent saying it made life more difficult, more held a positive view than negative (83 percent- 10 percent).