Press Release 18 December 2010
Confidence in scientists has declined by at least 12 percentage points over the past year. At the same time the number of Swedes who believe that astrology is a science is increasing. This is according to the new barometer study from Swedish non-profit organisation VA (Public & Science).
63 percent have a high or fairly high level of confidence in scientists at universities compared to 75 percent the last time this was measured. Only 45 percent of people have the same level of confidence in scientists or researchers working for companies – a reduction of 3 percentage points.
Meanwhile, confidence in the possibilities offered by science and research is strong and has increased in some areas: Three out of four believe that science can help slow climate change. Three out of four also believe that science can increase economic growth.
“People with a high level of education have more faith in scientists and greater confidence in the possibilities offered by science and research. Our previous studies also indicate clear class differences,” says Karin Hermansson, Research Director and responsible for VA’s studies.
In the 2010 barometer, 95 percent of Swedes consider medicine to be scientific. Chemistry is considered to be scientific by 77 percent of those asked, astronomy by 67, law by 40, philosophy by 32 and religious science by 24 percent only.
“The pattern remains consistent with time. Medicine is considered the most and the humanities the least scientific,” says Karin Hermansson.
Astrology is considered to be a science by 21 percent – an increase of 5 percentage points since last year. Young people, particularly young women (33 percent), believe that astrology is more scientific than older people do.
“The results indicate that many people need to know more about how science works. Scientists should not only report the results from their work but also describe how they conduct their research,” says Karin Hermansson.
VA, with the help of Novus Opinion, has asked 1,000 Swedes their opinion of science and scientists. This is the ninth annual survey since 2002 and it was conducted with support from the Swedish Research Council.
For more information, contact:
Karin Hermansson, Research Director VA +46 (0)70-867 66 77
Camilla Modéer, Secretary General VA +46 (0)70-568 80 94
VA (Public & Science) aims to promote dialogue and openness between the public – especially the young – and scientists. The association endeavours to stimulate new forms of dialogue in unexpected arenas on concrete issues that concern people. The members are various organisations, public authorities, companies and individuals. See also www.v-a.se
